Kim Jong Un Vows to “Thoroughly Annihilate” US and South Korea if Provoked

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to “thoroughly annihilate” the United States and South Korea if provoked, according to state media reports on Monday. The announcement follows a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, during which Kim vowed to boost national defense in response to what he called an unprecedented U.S.-led confrontation.

Kim said he will launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year in an effort to increase his leverage in future diplomacy. Experts believe Kim will continue to escalate his rhetoric and weapons tests in order to gain U.S. concessions if former President Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.

The United States and South Korea have responded to Kim’s threats with a joint statement condemning his “provocative and destabilizing actions” and calling for the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.” The statement also reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to the defense of South Korea and the region.

The United Nations Security Council has also expressed “grave concern” over North Korea’s recent actions and has urged the country to “refrain from further provocations.” The Security Council also called on North Korea to “fully comply with its obligations under international law.”

The international community is closely watching the situation in North Korea, as Kim’s threats and weapons tests have the potential to escalate tensions in the region. It remains to be seen how the United States and South Korea will respond to Kim’s latest provocations.