Kim Jong Un Warns of "Special Assets" Deployment Amid Rising US Military Presence in South Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated that Pyongyang has deployed "special assets" to counter the increasing presence of US forces in South Korea. He also warned of "additional military measures" in response to what he termed Washington's creation of "dangerous scenarios." The remarks signal escalating tensions in the region.
North Korea's Response to US Military Activity
Kim Jong Un has consistently criticized joint military exercises conducted by the US, Japan, and South Korea, viewing them as preparations for an invasion. The US and its allies maintain that these drills are essential for joint defense and deterrence, given North Korea's unpredictability and its ongoing development of a UN-sanctioned nuclear arsenal. Speaking at a weapons exhibition in Pyongyang, Kim accused the US and its allies of intensifying military activities in the region.
"In direct proportion to the build-up of US forces in Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and we have accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest," said Kim Jong Un, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The United States maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea as part of a longstanding security alliance. Last month, Washington conducted a joint military exercise with Seoul and Tokyo. Details regarding the “special assets” were not provided.
Pyongyang's Military Build-up and Alliances
Kim Jong Un indicated that Pyongyang would "undoubtedly develop additional military measures" to address the growing US military presence. South Korean officials have reported that North Korea continues to expand its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This comes as Pyongyang prepares for a major parade on October 10th to mark the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's founding anniversary, where analysts anticipate the unveiling of new weapons systems, possibly including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile.
North Korea has also been strengthening its ties with Russia and China in recent months. South Korean intelligence suggests that Pyongyang has supplied artillery and troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. Kim recently attended a military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Stance on Denuclearization
Since the collapse of denuclearization talks with former US President Donald Trump in 2019, Pyongyang has declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state and rejected any possibility of relinquishing its atomic weapons. This hardened stance further complicates diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing tensions in the region. The increasing military cooperation between North Korea, Russia, and China is viewed as a coordinated effort to counterbalance US-led influence in the region.
