NKorea Vows 'Total Destruction' of Enemy on Korean War Anniversary

HANDOUT - 28 July 2024, North Korea, Pyongyang: A photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 28 July 2024 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un placing a flower at the base of the Monument to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War, during celebrations to mark the 71st anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Photo: KCNA/dpa

North Korea vowed to "totally destroy" its enemies in case of war when leader Kim Jong Un gives an order, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.
Senior military officials including Army Colonel Ri Un Ryong and Navy Lieutenant Commander Yu Kyong Song made the comments "out of surging hatred" towards the US and South Korea at a meeting on Saturday attended by Kim to celebrate the 71st Korean War armistice anniversary, according to KCNA.
North Korea and the United States do not have diplomatic ties and talks over reducing tensions and denuclearizing North Korea have been stalled since 2019. North Korea's state media recently said it doesn't expect that to change no matter who is next elected in the White House.
While accusing the US and South Korea of "being hell-bent on provoking a nuclear war," the military officials vowed to strengthen war efficiency to stage an "overwhelming attack on the enemy anytime and without delay and totally destroy them once the respected Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un gives an order."
North Korea signed an armistice agreement with the United States and China on July 27, 1953 ending hostilities in the three-year war. US generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea.
North Korea calls July 27 "Victory Day" while South Korea does not mark the day with any major events.