Enlarge image
Kim Jong Un in a photo from North Korea's state news agency.
The picture is supposed to show the ruler during military exercises
Photo: AFP
Show of power by a dictator: According to state media, Kim Jong Un led a large-scale artillery exercise, which also involved a unit that could reach the South Korean capital Seoul with its projectiles.
Border units were involved in the shooting exercises held on Thursday, "bringing the enemy's capital within their reach," reported the North Korean state news agency KCNA.
During his visit to troops on Thursday, Kim expressed "great satisfaction" that the units were "fully prepared for constant mobilization for fighting," KCNA said.
Kim called on the soldiers to "vigorously advance preparations for real combat mobilization" in order to "seize the initiative" with "merciless and rapid attacks" in the event of an "actual war."
The South Korean military confirmed the North's artillery exercises.
Accordingly, the exercises with rocket launchers and self-propelled howitzers were held in North Korea's western port city of Nampho.
The South Korean General Staff said Seoul was "very closely monitoring signs of provocation by North Korea" and would respond "with overwhelming determination" in such an event.
At the same time, a steadfast common defense line will be maintained with the Western allies.
Ongoing military maneuvers would continue.
Most recently, North Korea, which was subject to sanctions, sharpened its rhetoric towards its neighbor South Korea and named Seoul its "main enemy."
Pyongyang also increased its weapons tests.
On Tuesday, North Korea said the United States and South Korea would pay a "heavy price" for joint military exercises that began this week.
In response to the threats, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has expanded military cooperation with the USA and Japan, for example by expanding joint maneuvers.
dop/AFP