31 December 2023 , 17:07
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Kim Jong-un is said to have ordered his top military generals to draw up plans for a nuclear attack.
The dictator was pictured before Christmas viewing intercontinental ballistic missiles with his young daughter, and has further stoked tensions ahead of the new year. As he wrapped up five-days of meetings with party leaders, the North Korean leader pointed the finger at the United States and claimed they were driving the region to the "brink of nuclear war".
State media reported that, during a speech where he was roundly cheered, the unelected totalitarian ordered his military chiefs to ready plans to launch nuclear strikes on South Korea. This came as he also threatened that war could break out at any moment.
Alongside that, he claimed he was going to boost Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal, and build new spy satellites. Kim Jong-un often uses such events as propaganda to threaten his enemies abroad and spread images and claims of his own country’s power.
The despot claimed that tensions had recently soared between the two neighbours after America deployed a nuclear-submarine to South Korea, and increased joint military exercises. This was done in direct response to North Korea’s own missile testing in December. As a part of this, they launched their first spy satellite and most advanced long range missiles.
North Korea students get frostbite after 'patriotic' subzero mountain march
The dictator was met with applause as he threatened to start a nuclear war (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)North Korea, who hasn’t been at war in decades, are known for the frequent and loud posturing and threats. During his length speech, Kim Jong-un claimed he had told his leaders to prepare to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea" with nukes, The Telegraph reported.
This comes just days after Kim Jong-un paraded his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, in front of state media during a visit to watch over Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles being fired from a weapons site.
Her present, as she wore a fluffy pink coat, raised serious questions about the line of succession in North Korea. Her presence was prominent throughout and reported in the country's state media.
Kim Jong-un and his daughter watch an intercontinental ballistic missile launch from an undisclosed location in North Korea (AP)Kim Ju-ae’s public presence has persisted in the last year. On November 18 last year, she was at another missile test, raising questions if she was being groomed to take over from her father. This marked the third test of one of North Korea’s most advanced missile systems - which they claim could reach the US, Seoul, and Tokyo.
ABC News reported that Seoul's Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho, during a press briefing with foreign press, said: "This administration does not rule out the possibility that Kim Ju Ae may become the next North Korean leader. North Korea's continued emphasis on Kim Ju Ae is proof that they are in a bit of a hurry to publicise the regime's hereditary succession. As the level of protocol for Kim Ju-ae continues to rise, military commanders were also spotted saluting Kim Ju Ae."