North Korea: Kim Jong-un plans to bolster nation's attack capabilities

North Korea has continued to carry out its weapons tests despite international condemnation. This week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged for the nation to boost its attack capabilities.

In a statement published by the North Korean state news outlet KCNA, Kim said North Korea plans on developing its attack capabilities. The statement also suggests that Pyongyang may carry out more launches or even test a nuclear device as it moves to modernize its military arsenal. This follows the recent testing of its intercontinental ballistic missile days prior.

Thursday last week, North Korea conducted its 12th weapons test this year, launching its newly-developed, Hwasong-17 missile. Analysts say that the Hwasong-17 missile can potentially deliver a nuclear warhead anywhere in the US. The Hwasong-17 is also North Korea’s largest long-range weapon, measuring around 25 meters in length.

During a photo op with scientists and those involved in the development of the Hwasong-17, Kim expressed his resolve to boost North Korea’s attack capabilities in order to cope with potential threats, according to the state media outlet.

“Only when one is equipped with the formidable striking capabilities, overwhelming military power that cannot be stopped by anyone, one can prevent a war, guarantee the security of the country, and contain and put under control all threats and blackmails by the imperialists,” said Kim, according to KCNA.

The North Korean leader also said that the nation will develop “more powerful strike means” and expected the country to “more vigorously perfect the nuclear war deterrence of the country.”

Last week, Reuters reported that Russia’s deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov met and spoke with North Korea’s ambassador to Russia to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting took place as Russia faces further isolation from the rest of the world following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

North Korea has pinned the blame for the Ukraine conflict on the “hegemonic policy” and “high-handedness” of the United States and the West, which have already imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its aggression on Ukraine. Many other countries have also joined in the efforts to adhere to the sanctions.