North Korea Deploys ‘Special Weapons’ Against South Korea

North Korea has deployed what it calls “special weapons” aimed at South Korea, in response to the growing presence of U.S. military forces and weapon stockpiles in the region. The decision was announced by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and reported by state media KCNA on Sunday.

According to reports, around 28,500 U.S. troops are currently stationed in South Korea to deter threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. Last month, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan conducted a joint military drill, which Pyongyang condemned as a rehearsal for invasion a claim Washington and its allies reject, stating the drills are purely defensive.

During the opening of a weapons exhibition in Pyongyang on Saturday, Kim stated,

“The U.S.-South Korea nuclear alliance is advancing rapidly. Their various drills reflect dangerous intentions.”
He added,
“With the increase in U.S. weapons in the South, our strategic concerns have also grown. Accordingly, we have deployed our special weapons targeting key objectives.”

Kim did not specify what the “special weapons” include. However, KCNA images showed Kim walking alongside North Korean generals next to a missile on display at the exhibition.

Kim also said he is “closely monitoring” the military situation across the border and warned,

“The enemy should consider where their security situation is heading.”

Despite his military posture, Kim recently expressed interest in resuming talks with the U.S., recalling the "memorable time" spent with former President Donald Trump, with whom he held three summits between 2018 and 2019. Talks ultimately collapsed in Hanoi over disagreements on denuclearization terms.

North Korea remains under multiple UN sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Since the failed talks, Pyongyang has reiterated it will never give up its nuclear arsenal, even declaring itself an “irreversible nuclear state.”

Sources: Reuters, Japan Times, Al Jazeera, AFP