North Korea has issued a warning to its adversaries, vowing to “totally destroy” them in the event of war, according to state media KCNA.
The declaration was made during a meeting held on Saturday to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Korean War armistice, attended by leader Kim Jong Un.
Senior military officials, including Army Colonel Ri Un Ryong and Navy Lieutenant Commander Yu Kyong Song, expressed “surging hatred” towards the U.S. and South Korea. They emphasized their commitment to enhancing military capabilities and executing an “overwhelming attack” at the command of Kim Jong Un.
This rhetoric comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts between North Korea and the United States, which have been at an impasse since 2019. North Korean state media recently stated that they do not anticipate a change in relations, regardless of the outcome of the next U.S. presidential election.
The armistice agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, ended the active hostilities of the Korean War, with the U.S. generals representing United Nations forces in support of South Korea. Despite the cessation of combat, the lack of a formal peace treaty means that North Korea and South Korea remain technically at war.
North Korea marks July 27 as “Victory Day,” celebrating the armistice with significant events, in contrast to South Korea, which does not observe the day with major commemorations.
