Kim Jong-un Threatens "Terrible" Retaliation at North Korea Military Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un issued a stark warning of "terrible retaliatory attacks" against any hostile military acts during a nighttime parade in Pyongyang. The parade, featuring aerial performances and marching troops, marked the conclusion of a major ruling party congress. Notably, the event did not display the country's latest key weapons systems, such as the Hwasong-20 ICBM. Kim also stated that relations with the U.S. could be possible only if Washington abandons its hostile policy, while rejecting dialogue overtures from Seoul.

Key Points: Kim Jong-un Warns of Retaliation at North Korean Military Parade

  • Kim Jong-un warns of military retaliation
  • Parade marks end of key party congress
  • No display of latest key missiles
  • Troop formations included those deployed to support Russia
  • Kim outlines conditional stance on U.S. relations
2 min read

North Korea's Kim warns of 'terrible' retaliation against hostile military acts at parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warns of "terrible retaliatory attacks" against hostile acts during a military parade marking a key party congress.

"Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts - Kim Jong-un"

Seoul, Feb 26

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned that 'terrible retaliatory attacks' will be carried out against any force committing hostile military acts against his country during a military parade marking a key party congress, state media reported on Thursday.

Kim made the remarks at the nighttime parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday as the high-profile ruling party gathering drew to a close that day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Our armed forces are fully ready to cope with any circumstances," Kim said in a speech carried by the KCNA.

"Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts of infringing upon our national sovereignty and security interests."

"In this world of today, it is the topmost, overriding task of our state and the duty of our armed forces, which no one else could perform for them, to reliably defend the rights to existence and development of our state and people," he added.

Photos released by the KCNA showed Kim; his daughter, Ju-ae, who is widely speculated as the successor to her father; his wife, Ri Sol-ju; and other top officials watching the parade at the viewing stand.

The photos did not display any of the country's key weapons systems, such as the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile unveiled last October, in an apparent indication that they were not included.

The KCNA dispatch said the parade featured aerial performances and 50 formations of marching troops, including those from overseas operations and engineering units, which have been deployed to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea kicked off last Thursday to outline major policy directions for the next five years on diplomacy, defense, the economy and other areas, Yonhap news agency reported.

During a policy review session, Kim said Pyongyang has no reason not to get along with the United States if Washington withdraws its hostile policy against his country but rejected Seoul's overtures for talks as 'deceptive.'

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Seeing his daughter at the parade is interesting. It seems like the leadership is being groomed for another generation. For a country that talks so much about self-reliance, it's ironic they are sending troops to support Russia's war. The whole situation just feels unstable for the entire region. 🇮🇳
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Arjun K
As an Indian, I look at this and just feel sad for the ordinary North Korean people. We know what it's like to live near an unpredictable neighbor (looking at you, Pakistan). This kind of aggressive posturing never leads to prosperity. Focus should be on the economy and people's welfare, not just military parades.
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Sarah B
The line about getting along with the US if they drop their "hostile policy" is key. It's a classic negotiation tactic – create a crisis, then offer a way out. But after decades of broken promises from the Kim regime, who can trust them? The international community needs a united and consistent approach.
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Vikram M
Honestly, the world has bigger problems to solve. Climate change, poverty, pandemics. This constant saber-rattling in Northeast Asia diverts attention and resources. India has always advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Hope cooler heads prevail and diplomacy gets a real chance.
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Karthik V
While I understand the need for national security, the rhetoric feels excessive. No ICBMs shown is a small relief, but the threat is still there. The alliance with Russia is the most dangerous part. It turns a regional issue into a potential global flashpoint. Not good for stability at all.

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