North Korea vows total destruction of enemies on war anniversary

Military officials vowed to enhance war capabilities and launch an overwhelming attack if provoked

PYONGYANG/SEOUL:

North Korea pledged to "totally destroy" its enemies if leader Kim Jong Un gives the order, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

Senior military officials, including Army Colonel Ri Un Ryong and Navy Lieutenant Commander Yu Kyong Song, expressed intense animosity towards the US and South Korea during a Saturday meeting attended by Kim to mark the 71st anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

North Korea and the United States lack diplomatic ties, and negotiations on reducing tensions and denuclearising North Korea have been stalled since 2019.

North Korean state media recently stated that this situation is unlikely to change regardless of the next US president.

Accusing the US and South Korea of being "hell-bent on provoking a nuclear war," the military officials vowed to enhance their war capabilities for an "overwhelming attack on the enemy anytime and without delay" if ordered by Kim.

The Korean War ended with an armistice agreement signed by North Korea, the United States, and China on 27 July 1953, halting hostilities after three years of conflict. US generals signed the agreement on behalf of United Nations forces supporting South Korea.

North Korea celebrates 27 July as "Victory Day," while South Korea does not observe the day with significant events. The armistice left the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, as no peace treaty was signed.