LIVE UPDATES
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the necessity for Pyongyang to be prepared to seize South Korean territory in the event of an "emergency."
Delivering a speech commemorating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean Army, Kim lauded the military's role in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and dignity against perceived threats from imperialist forces and the risk of war.
Kim's remarks come amidst escalating tensions between North and South Korea, with relations between the two nations strained by historical animosities and recent provocations. In his address, Kim characterized the South Korean government as the "most harmful and unchangeable enemy" of Pyongyang, underscoring the deeply entrenched divisions on the Korean Peninsula.
The North Korean leader's assertion of readiness to seize South Korean territory underscores the regime's ongoing commitment to military preparedness and its assertion of strength in the face of perceived external threats. Pyongyang's military rhetoric has long been a point of contention in inter-Korean relations and has raised concerns among regional powers.
Kim's speech serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of peace on the Korean Peninsula and the persistent risk of conflict amid unresolved historical grievances and geopolitical tensions. The specter of military confrontation looms large, despite sporadic efforts at diplomacy and engagement between North and South Korea.
As Pyongyang reaffirms its military capabilities and readiness, the prospects for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region remain uncertain. The international community closely monitors developments on the Korean Peninsula, recognizing the potential ramifications of any escalation in tensions between North and South Korea.
