North Korea’s Kim Jong-un vows to deal ‘deathblow to enemy’ in event of war

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said unstable geopolitical situations surrounding his country mean now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever, as he inspected the country’s main military university, KCNA news agency said on Thursday.

Kim gave field guidance on Wednesday at Kim Jong-il University of Military and Politics, named after his father who died in 2011, which KCNA said is the “highest seat of military education” in the country.

North Korea has stepped up weapons development in recent years under Kim and has forged closer military and political ties with Russia, allegedly aiding Moscow in its war with Ukraine in return for help with strategic military projects.

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Kim told university staff and students that “if the enemy opts for military confrontation with the DPRK, the DPRK will deal a deathblow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilising all means in its possession,” KCNA reported.