Overview

• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instructed his military to 'thoroughly annihilate' the United States and South Korea if provoked, according to state media.
• Kim has also pledged to launch three new military spy satellites, increase nuclear materials production, and introduce attack drones in 2024.
• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has responded by stating he will strengthen his military's pre-emptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory capabilities in response to the North Korean nuclear threat.
• Experts predict small-scale military clashes between North and South Korea could occur this year along their heavily armed border.
• North Korea is also expected to test-launch intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the mainland US, and other major new weapons.