Categories: World

North Korea warns it will use nukes if South Korea mounts attack

<p>
North Korea opposes war but would use nuclear weapons if South Korea attacked, Kim Yo Jong, the all-powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>
Kim Yo Jong, who is a senior official in the government, said it was a "very big mistake" for South Korea's minister of defence to make recent remarks about his country’s missiles having the capability to hit targets in North Korea, state news agency KCNA reported.</p>
<p>
Kim's criticisms are most likely aimed at South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, who has called for a more muscular defence against North Korean threats, a Reuters report cited Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst with the U.S.-based 38 North project as saying.</p>
<p>
Both Koreas have stepped up displays of military might after North Korea test-fired a series of powerful missiles this year. Officials in Seoul and Washington also fear it may be preparing to resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time since 2017 amid stalled negotiations.</p>
<p>
Kim and another North Korean official issued earlier statements on Sunday condemning Suh's remarks, and warned that Pyongyang would destroy major targets in Seoul if the South takes any "dangerous military action" such as a pre-emptive strike.</p>
<p>
The statements suggest Pyongyang is preparing the North Korean public for a possible shift in inter-Korean relations once Yoon takes office in May, Lee added.</p>
<p>
Meanwhile, a delegation from Yoon's team was in Washington this week to meet with U.S. officials, who reiterated their commitment to defending South Korea, according to a statement by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday.</p>
<p>
In her statement on Tuesday, Kim said, If the South Korean military violates North Korea territory, it will face an "unimaginably terrible disaster" as the North's nuclear combat force will have to carry out its duty, she said.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/north-korean-icbm-test-invites-us-sanctions-brings-japan-and-south-korea-closer-159575.html">North Korean ICBM test invites US sanctions, brings Japan and South Korea closer</a></strong></p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

India committed to safeguarding interests in Indian Ocean without compromising any nation’s sovereignty: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that India is committed to protecting the interests…

19 hours ago

India, Sri Lanka sign MoU on defence cooperation; Misri says two countries share commitment to regional security, stability

India and Sri Lanka on Saturday signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation with Foreign Secretary…

19 hours ago

India, Sri Lanka discuss fishermen issue; Colombo to release 11 fishermen imminently: Foreign secy Misri

The issue of fishermen was discussed in considerable detail between India and Sri Lanka, with…

21 hours ago

Human rights activist raises voice against women atrocities, discrimination in Pakistan

Anila Gulzar, a prominent human rights activist from Pakistan, has condemned gender discrimination and atrocities…

24 hours ago

Sri Lanka has special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Vision Mahasagar: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sri Lanka has a special place in India's Neighbourhood…

24 hours ago

Sri Lanka will not permit its territory to be used againnst India: Sri Lanka Pres Dissanayake

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday reaffirmed his government's commitment to India's security…

24 hours ago