Kim Jong Un's sister threatened to increase nuclear forces in response to US drills
Kim Jong Un's sister threatened to increase nuclear forces in response to US drills
US military exercises are prompting North Korea to strengthen its nuclear arsenal, said Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party.
The joint exercises between the US, South Korea, and Japan, named Freedom Edge, were held from September 7 to 11 in international waters east and south of Jeju Island. As part of the trilateral naval exercises, the allies practiced anti-surface and anti-submarine operations.
"The ever-increasing threat to our national security from foreign forces compels us to constantly and appropriately increase our nuclear capability," said Kim Jong Un's sister.
She stated that there will be no change in the process of strengthening the DPRK's defense capability.
Following the Freedom Edge exercises, North Korea accused the US of instigating conflict. Pyongyang warned that it could take even tougher measures in response to America's "war games."
Kim Yo Jong also emphasized that regular military exercises led by the US are the main factor behind the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
Earlier, it was reported that North Korea conducted military exercises involving artillery and rocket forces. Units of all levels of the North Korean army participated in them.
Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence reports that Kim Jong Un is directing funds received in exchange for DPRK military personnel fighting on Russia's side against Ukraine to finance a number of construction and weapons projects.
According to Seoul, over the past three years, Pyongyang has received at least $7.7 billion in the form of cash and various economic benefits from Russia in exchange for weapons supplies and the participation of DPRK military personnel in the liberation of the Kursk region. The total amount of payments could reach up to $14 billion.