Kim Jong Un demands increased military readiness amid US‑South Korea drills
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has commanded a ramp-up in warfare readiness. This move comes as a counter to the United States and South Korea's annual military exercises, which Pyongyang views as a threat and a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory.
4:44 AM EDT, March 16, 2024
According to the North Korean news outlet KCNA on Saturday, Kim Jong Un has called for heightened warfare preparedness - as reported by PAP. This announcement followed the conclusion of the US and South Korean military drills this week, aimed at bolstering defense capabilities against North Korea's nuclear menace.
While overseeing air force exercises on Friday, Kim emphasized the importance of enhancing "practical" war readiness. He believes that only training reflective of real combat scenarios can adequately prepare soldiers for wartime duties. He also commended the current training and readiness levels of his military forces.
Pyongyang sees US and Seoul drills as provocation
In direct response to the US and South Korean exercises, alongside those of allied nations, North Korea undertook its own military training this week. Pyongyang views these exercises as provocations and preludes to an invasion.
During the 10-day Freedom Shield drills, which wrapped up on Thursday, the allies executed 48 field exercises, doubling the number from the previous year.
