North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Pyongyang has allocated strategic assets to respond to the buildup of US military forces in the south and vowed to develop additional military measures, the state media KCNA reported on Sunday.
"In direct proportion to the buildup of US forces in Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and we have accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest," Kim said at a military exhibition event ahead of the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. "I believe our enemies should be concerned about the direction their security environment is evolving."
He added North Korea "will undoubtedly develop additional military measures" to prepare to respond to the buildup of US forces, without elaborating further.
North Korea has been tightening military ties with Russia and has been supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine by sending troops and artillery, according to South Korean officials.
Kim has also been deepening alignment with China and recently traveled to Beijing to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin.
