![North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders military to "thoroughly annihilate" U.S. if provoked, state media say](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2023/12/28/5db1ccc0-dc00-4ac7-9998-f42456bb3cc9/thumbnail/1200x630/832f5c48edbbfc1981e7e63536ed4930/cbsn-fusion-north-korea-kim-jong-un-war-preparations-thumbnail.jpg?v=5382e209c94ee904b3a96a69f8ca0ce0)
North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders military to "thoroughly annihilate" U.S. if provoked, state media say
CBSN
Seoul, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his military to "thoroughly annihilate" the United States and South Korea if provoked, state media reported Monday, after he vowed to boost national defense to cope with what he called an unprecedented U.S.-led confrontation. Kim is expected to ramp up weapons tests in 2024 ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. Many experts say he likely believes his expanded nuclear arsenal would allow him to wrest U.S. concessions if former President Donald Trump is reelected.
In a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, Kim said he will launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year in what observers say is an attempt to increase his leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S.
In a meeting on Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim said it is urgent to sharpen "the treasured sword" to safeguard national security, an apparent reference to his country's nuclear weapons program. He cited "the U.S. and other hostile forces' military confrontation moves," according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left Monday for a scheduled visit to Washington, one day after President Biden announced he would not be running for a second term and amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Ahead of his departure, Netanyahu said Israel will remain a key ally of the U.S. in the Middle East no matter who becomes the next president.