Tensions Escalate as North Korea Condemns US Military Moves

North Korea's defence ministry criticized the United States for deploying nuclear strategic assets in South Korea. This comes as Seoul prepares for a rare Armed Forces Day parade, featuring a B-1B bomber. North Korean officials describe the U.S. actions as a 'reckless military bluff' and vow to boost their war deterrent.

North Korea's defence ministry has condemned the recent deployment of U.S. nuclear strategic assets in South Korea, as announced by state media outlet, KCNA, on Tuesday. This declaration comes just as Seoul gears up for a rare military parade to mark Armed Forces Day.

Kim Kang Il, North Korea's vice defence minister, accused Washington of engaging in a 'reckless military bluff' and escalating tensions by sending a nuclear-powered submarine to South Korea and planning to deploy a B-1B bomber for the parade.

South Korean media have noted that a B-1B bomber will participate in the parade, expected to fly over Seoul alongside allied fighter jets. However, neither South Korea's military nor U.S. Forces Korea have confirmed these reports. The parade is intended to demonstrate military strength as a deterrent to the North.

Kim also suggested that the U.S. show of force underscores its strategic vulnerability on the Korean Peninsula and criticized South Korea's 'chronic nuclear phobia.' In response, he stated that North Korea could adopt 'fresh action plans' and carry them out any time, reinforcing the nation's 'powerful war deterrent.'

Last week, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, condemned the docking of a U.S. nuclear submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan.

(With inputs from agencies.)