Nuclear Drills Led by Kim: Escalation or Show of Force?

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In a new escalation, Pyongyang announced on Friday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had overseen drills simulating retaliatory nuclear attacks against Seoul and Washington.

This announcement comes a day after missile tests conducted by North Korea, which included, according to Seoul, “various types” of short-range ballistic missiles.

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The South Korean military suggested that the missile tests may be connected to North Korea’s arms exports to Russia.

North Korea’s official KCNA news agency reported that the drills involved a missile system and a tactical ballistic missile.

According to the agency, the maneuvers included detailed training on “procedures and operations for a rapid transition to a retaliatory nuclear attack posture.”

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The agency added that “the objective of the training was achieved, and the reliability of the command and mobilization system capable of rapid response to any nuclear crisis was verified.”

Pyongyang is under United Nations sanctions due to its nuclear program, which prohibit North Korea from possessing ballistic missiles.

These drills come about a week after Kim ordered the acceleration of nuclear armament for his naval forces.

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North Korea possesses nuclear weapons, which it repeatedly claims are essential to deter “aggressive” maneuvers by Washington and Seoul.

In April, Pyongyang unveiled a 5,000-ton destroyer named “Choe Hyon,” which some analysts suspect is equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles.

Technically, the two Koreas remain at war, as the 1950–1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at their lowest point in years. Last year, North Korea launched numerous ballistic missiles in blatant violation of UN sanctions.

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