N.Korean leader calls on military to find 'practical,' offensive ways to counter threats in region

By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for strengthening the country’s war deterrence capabilities at an increasing speed in a more practical and offensive way to counter threats in the region, state-run media said on Tuesday.

Kim presided over a meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea on Monday, which was attended by senior military commanders, and discussed the ongoing security situation in the region, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

"(Kim) stressed the need to expand the DPRK's war deterrence being strengthened with increasing speed on a more practical and offensive and to effectively apply it as a measure for more strict control and management of the ever-worsening security on the Korean peninsula," the North Korean leader was quoted as saying by the KCNA.

Pyongyang also accused the US and South Korea of ​​becoming more open in their moves to wage a war of aggression.

The meeting warned that such steps made it necessary for North Korea to make its military option clearer and prepare thoroughly to move to strong practical action.

​​​​​​​Meanwhile, South Korea has expressed regret over North Korea's refusal to respond daily through the inter-Korean liaison line and military hotline, calling it a "unilateral and irresponsible" move.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen again, with North Korea launching dozens of missiles in a series of weapons tests last year, including intercontinental ballistic missiles.

On Friday, North Korea confirmed that it conducted another underwater nuclear attack drone test last week.

According to KCNA, the drone traveled a simulated distance of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in an ellipse and an "8", located in the East Sea of Korea, in 71 hours and 6 minutes.

North Korea had tested a new underwater nuclear weapon capable of creating a super-scale radioactive tsunami during three-day military exercises that concluded in late March.

The secret weapon, "Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Craft 'Haeil,'" was tested during the drill from March 21 to 23 off the coast of Riwon County, South Hamgyong Province, and reached the target point in waters off Hongwon Bay.

​ ​​​​​​*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid