International News
North Korea: Kim Jong Un Orders Military To Prepare For Possible War
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated tensions with fresh threats of a potential nuclear strike on Seoul and a directive for a significant buildup of the country’s military.
In a lengthy speech concluding five days of crucial year-end party meetings shaping North Korea’s policy decisions for 2024, Kim Jong Un directed scathing remarks toward the United States.
These meetings revealed a blueprint for extensive military development in the upcoming year, as outlined by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Plans include launching three new spy satellites, advancing unmanned drone technology, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities, and fortifying the nation’s nuclear and missile forces.
Following the meeting, Kim Jong Un accused the United States of presenting “various types of military threat.
He directed North Korea’s armed forces to uphold an “overwhelming war response capability,” emphasizing readiness in the face of perceived threats from the United States.
Kim said “It is a “fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula due to reckless moves by the enemies to invade us.”
In an attempt to dissuade Pyongyang, Washington recently deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan and engaged in joint drills with Seoul and Tokyo, involving long-range bombers.
The North has previously condemned the deployment of Washington’s strategic weapons, like B-52 bombers, in joint exercises on the Korean peninsula, labeling them as “intentional nuclear war provocative moves.”
Kim said “We must respond quickly to a possible nuclear crisis and continue to accelerate preparations to pacify the entire territory of South Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces, including nuclear force, in case of emergency.”
During the meeting, Kim Jong Un declared a shift in strategy, stating that North Korea would no longer pursue reconciliation or reunification with South Korea.
He attributed the ongoing “persisting uncontrollable crisis situation” to actions taken by Seoul and Washington.
Inter-Korean relations have reached a nadir this year, aggravated by Pyongyang’s spy satellite launch, leading Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement designed to ease tensions between the two nations.
“I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the ‘main enemy’… as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification,” KCNA cited Kim as saying.
Kim Jong Un has directed the formulation of plans to restructure departments handling cross-border affairs, aiming to “fundamentally shift the direction.”
Leif Easley, an international relations professor at Ewha University in Seoul, suggested that North Korea’s emphasis on its “significant military capabilities” might be a strategic move to divert attention from its poor economic performance this year.
Easley highlighted that much of the content published by state-controlled media constitutes recycled propaganda.
He remarked that Pyongyang’s aggressive rhetoric likely serves purposes beyond deterrence, potentially involving domestic politics and international influence.
Having declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power last year, Pyongyang has consistently reiterated its refusal to abandon its nuclear program, considering it vital for the regime’s survival.
Since its initial nuclear test in 2006, the United Nations Security Council has issued numerous resolutions urging North Korea to cease its nuclear and ballistic missile programs
The government of France has issued an urgent directive to its citizens in Mali, advising them to leave the country immediately following a fresh wave of violent attacks.
In a travel advisory released on Wednesday, the French foreign ministry described the security situation in Mali as “extremely volatile,” citing recent assaults carried out by jihadist groups and Tuareg separatist fighters over the weekend.
ALSO READ: Mali’s Junta Leader Assimi Goita Grants Himself Unlimited Presidential Mandate
According to the statement, all travel to Mali remains strongly discouraged regardless of purpose, as authorities warned that the risk to foreign nationals has significantly increased.
“French nationals are advised to make arrangements to leave Mali temporarily as soon as possible on the commercial flights that are still available,” the ministry said.
The advisory comes amid renewed concerns over instability in the Sahel region, where armed groups have continued to intensify their operations despite years of military interventions.
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed concern over the deteriorating security climate in Mali, particularly following the withdrawal of foreign forces and the growing influence of insurgent factions.
Mali has been grappling with insecurity since 2012, as jihadist insurgency, separatist tensions, and political unrest continue to undermine stability in the country.
The United Kingdom is considering sweeping new restrictions that could limit or completely block children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, as part of a broader push to improve online safety and reduce excessive screen time among young users.
The proposal, currently under government consultation, is being led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and focuses on addressing concerns over how teenagers interact with platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
ALSO READ: UK Says ‘No Entry’ to Kanye West Ahead of Big Comeback Show
Officials say the move is driven by growing evidence and public concern that algorithm-driven feeds and “endless scrolling” features may be negatively affecting children’s sleep patterns, concentration levels, and overall well-being.
The government is also reviewing whether additional measures such as app curfews and time limits should be introduced.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the consultation has already attracted widespread public input, with tens of thousands of responses from parents, teenagers, and advocacy groups.
She noted that the government is particularly interested in feedback on addictive platform design features and the use of AI tools targeting younger users.
The UK is also studying policies already implemented in other countries. Australia has introduced stricter age-based restrictions, while Greece and Indonesia have also moved toward tighter regulation of children’s access to social media.
Authorities emphasize that no final decision has been made, but the consultation process is expected to shape future legislation on how tech companies operate and how young users are protected online in the digital age.
U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked global reactions following his remarks about Pope Leo XIV after the Pope’s recent anti-war message calling for peace in conflict-hit regions.
The controversy began after Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong appeal at the Vatican, urging world leaders to end ongoing wars and prioritise dialogue over violenceviolence.
ALSO READ: Melania Trump to Preside Over UN Council as Middle East Burns
The pontiff warned against the “idolatry of power” and called for global cooperation to restore peace.
Reacting to the message, Trump told reporters he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “very liberal” and questioning his views on crime and international security.
The U.S. President further criticised the Pope’s stance on global conflicts, suggesting his message overlooks serious security challenges linked to rising geopolitical tensions, including nuclear concerns.
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump intensified his criticism, accusing the Pope of taking a weak position on foreign policy matters and suggesting political factors influenced his leadership position.
The comments have since triggered widespread debate across political and religious circles, adding to ongoing tensions between Washington and the Vatican over issues such as immigration policy, military action, and global diplomacy.
While both sides have previously denied any formal rift, the latest exchange has renewed global attention on their differing positions regarding war and peace efforts.
Over 100 Students Hospitalised as Fresh Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools
“Free El-Rufai Before Eid” — Atiku Blasts FG Over Detention
2027 Showdown Begins as Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Makinde Unite Against Tinubu
$100,000 Science Prize: NLNG Raises Bar for AI Innovation
Tinubu Moves to Grant Visa-Free Entry for Rwanda
Adoption of AI Feature as NIPetGE Pays Courtesy Call at NNPC Ltd
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
