Kim Jong-un Strongly Warns Washington: North Korea Is Fully Ready For Military Confrontation With The United States

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said his country is ready to increase the deterrent effect of its nuclear war for any military clash with the United States, state media reported on Thursday.

Leader Kim's comments come amid signs of concern that North Korea could conduct its first nuclear test since 2017.

Leader Kim made the remarks while addressing an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the July 27 Korean War armistice, which left the two Koreas technically still at war, according to the official KCNA news agency.

At the same time, Leader Kim also criticized South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol government, saying any attempt to cripple North Korea would be met with a harsh response and "annihilation".

"I once again make clear that North Korea is fully prepared for any military confrontation with the United States," said Leader Kim.

North Korea has in recent months tested hypersonic missiles and missiles, it says can carry tactical nuclear weapons, narrowing the time Seoul must have to respond to a pending strike.