North Korea conducts nuclear counterattack exercise, South Korea threatens 'end of regime'

Kim Jong Un, leader of the DPRK (kremlin.ru)

South Korea has issued a warning to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) about the consequences of Pyongyang’s potential use of nuclear weapons, according to Yonhap.

Nuclear exercises

The DPRK conducted its first-ever nuclear counterattack drill led by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The exercises reportedly involved a salvo missile launch.

Local media reported that North Korean military personnel fired several short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea. The tests were seen as an attempt to showcase nuclear capabilities and protest against what North Korea perceives as “provocative” military exercises by the United States and South Korea.

‘End of regime’ for DPRK

“If North Korea attempts to use weapons, it will face an immediate, overwhelming and decisive response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the North Korean regime will face its end,” ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said in a regular press briefing.

The spokesperson noted that provocations from Pyongyang would only strengthen South Korea’s military capability and expand US containment efforts.

Yonhap adds that expanded containment entails the United States’ commitment to utilize all military options, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

DPRK missile tests

This is not the first time the DPRK has conducted missile tests, causing concern among its neighbors:

・Recently, Pyongyang launched probable short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea.

・In early April, the DPRK launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, prompting Tokyo to protest against Pyongyang.