North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the country is ready to use nuclear weapons in response to any attempts by the United States and South Korea to use force against the DPRK, Reuters reported, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In his speech, Kim Jong-un stressed that the DPRK is prepared to use all available offensive forces without hesitation if its sovereignty is threatened. He specifically noted that any aggression by the United States or South Korea will be met with a decisive response, including the possible use of a nuclear arsenal.
Military maneuvers conducted by allies near the borders of North Korea are traditionally perceived by Pyongyang as a threat to its security. Kim Jong-un has repeatedly stated that North Korea will respond to such actions by all available means. In response to the exercises, Pyongyang regularly conducts its own ballistic missile tests, which only increases tension in the region.