North Korean Leader Calls Army to Prepare for War Amid U.S. Criticism

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered his military to prepare for war, emphasizing the need for a “radical turn” in readiness. This call comes alongside a strong denunciation of the U.S. for re-designating North Korea as an uncooperative state in combating terrorism, which Pyongyang regards as an unjust smear campaign.

In a significant escalation of military rhetoric, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called upon his armed forces to make a “radical turn” in their wartime preparations. According to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday, this directive was issued during Kim’s recent observation of the Guards 1st Air Wing and highlights the regime’s insistence on being ready for conflict at all times.

Kim’s comments came amidst various military drills that involved different units, including anti-air missile and electronic warfare sub-units, alongside the testing of new long-range precision guided bombs. These operations underscored the regime’s commitment to ensure its combat readiness, which it deems essential in light of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Accompanying these militaristic calls is a pointed response from North Korea concerning its designation by the United States as an uncooperative state in the global fight against terrorism. On Friday, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry emphatically rejected the U.S. government’s latest re-designation, which also included countries like Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela.

The spokesperson’s statement, released through KCNA, called for the international community to oppose this classification. The ministry criticized the classification as an unjust campaign by the U.S., asserting that it promotes a misguided narrative that unjustly labels independent nations as “state sponsors of terrorism.”

In their remarks, North Korea suggested that the U.S.’s approach toward combating terrorism serves as a thinly veiled pretext for meddling in the affairs of sovereign states. Notably, the statement indicated that no nation had granted the U.S. the authority to lead international anti-terrorism efforts, thus diminishing America’s credibility in this area. Despite the international criticisms, Pyongyang claims to stand steadfast against any forms of terrorism that threaten global peace and security.

North Korea’s recent military directives and its sharp criticism of the United States reflect an increasingly hostile stance in the region. Kim Jong-un’s call for a heightened state of military readiness aligns with the country’s longstanding narrative of perceived external threats. As tensions simmer, the regime’s adamant opposition to being labeled as uncooperative in international efforts against terrorism further complicates relations with the U.S. and allies. The situation remains tense, with potential implications for regional security.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr