Kim Jong-un inspected missile bases and ordered preparations for counterattack on enemies

The visit appears to be an attempt to demonstrate military strength ahead of the key November 5 vote.

North Korean leader Kim Jong- un inspected strategic missile bases and ordered the military to be ready to launch a counterattack on enemies “at any time.” The inspection came as the U.S. presidential election approached and could be an attempt to bolster his authority on the international stage, Bloomberg reports .

A photo released Wednesday by the official Korean Central News Agency showed Kim standing next to intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the United States and speaking with military officials.

North Korea often carries out provocative actions such as ballistic missile tests during US elections, and the visit appears to be an attempt to show military strength ahead of the key November 5 vote.

Kim Jong-un said US nuclear forces pose an “ever-growing threat” to his country, requiring Pyongyang to strengthen its defense capabilities to counterattack under various circumstances.

He also noted the need for further modernization of strategic missile bases and ensuring full combat readiness in order to be able to quickly respond to possible threats.

Last December, North Korea tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, which crashed into the sea off the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The missiles are the most powerful in the country’s arsenal.

Tensions have escalated on the Korean Peninsula in recent days. South Korea has complained about the North sending garbage balloons, while Pyongyang has accused South Korea of sending drones. Roads connecting the two countries have also been blown up. South Korea has also said that North Korea has sent troops to Russia to support its actions in Ukraine.

Solid-fueled ICBMs like the Hwasong-18 are ready to launch in minutes, reducing the U.S. response time. However, questions remain about their ability to penetrate U.S. missile defenses and their effectiveness in hitting their targets.

(C)UNIAN 2024