North Korea Criticizes U.S. Deployment of Nuclear Assets in South Korea, Reports Reuters

SEOUL – North Korea’s defense ministry has condemned the recent deployment of U.S. nuclear strategic assets in South Korea, as reported by state media. This denunciation comes as South Korea prepares for a military parade commemorating Armed Forces Day.

Kim Kang Il, North Korea’s vice defense minister, accused the United States of engaging in a “reckless military bluff” that escalates tensions. He pointed to the recent arrival of a nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea and the planned participation of a B-1B bomber in the parade.

South Korean media outlets have reported that the B-1B bomber is scheduled to fly over Seoul during the parade alongside allied fighter jets and other aircraft. While South Korea’s military and U.S. Forces Korea have not confirmed the bomber’s involvement, the country’s defense ministry indicated that the event aims to showcase military strength as a deterrent to North Korea.

Kim argued that the U.S. show of force underscored its strategic disadvantages on the Korean peninsula compared to North Korea, as well as South Korea’s persistent fear of nuclear threats. He called for fresh measures in response to this situation, stating, “We can examine such fresh action plans any time and carry them out.” He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing its “powerful war deterrent.”

In related news, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently criticized the docking of a U.S. nuclear submarine in South Korea, which occurred in the port city of Busan for supplies and crew rest.