Kim Jong Un Orders Heightened Readiness for War
North Korean Leader Inspects Troops, Vows to Respond to Provocations
By Stella Kim and Mithil Aggarwal
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered heightened readiness for war after inspecting troops at a major military operations base. The move comes amid escalating tensions with South Korea and the United States, and concerns that North Korea is preparing for a military conflict.
During the inspection, Kim ordered the troops to be "fully prepared for war" and to "respond resolutely to any provocation by the enemy." He also stressed the importance of "strengthening the combat readiness of the armed forces" and "maintaining a high level of vigilance."
The heightened readiness order is the latest sign that North Korea is preparing for a possible conflict. In recent months, the regime has conducted a series of missile tests, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States. North Korea has also threatened to use nuclear weapons against the U.S. and its allies.
The United States and South Korea have condemned North Korea's actions and have urged the regime to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The U.S. has also sent warships and aircraft to the region in a show of force.
The tensions between North Korea and the U.S. and South Korea have been escalating for years. North Korea has repeatedly defied international calls to abandon its nuclear program, and the U.S. and South Korea have responded with sanctions and military exercises.
The current crisis is the most serious in years, and there are concerns that it could lead to a military conflict. The U.S. and South Korea have said that they are prepared to use force to defend themselves, but they have also emphasized that they prefer a diplomatic solution.
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