Kim Jong-un has ordered his forces to prepare North Korea 's nuclear weapons for war in his first public appearance in over two weeks.
The Supreme Leader passed the directive this week in his latest act of military showmanship amid worsening relations and a new hardline government across the border.
His mobilisation order purportedly means that North Korea's nuclear war deterrent could now be deployed faster and ensure the country is ready for war with the United States.
Addressing an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the July 27 Korean War armistice following a lengthy absence from public life, he warned: "I once again make it clear that North Korea is fully ready for any military confrontation with the United States"
In the bullish speech Kim denounced the new South Korean administration, saying any attempts to incapacitate the North's military infrastructure would result in their "annihilation".
The election of conservative firebrand Yoon Suk-yeol in South Korea earlier this year has posed a fresh challenge for Kim Jong-un, with the incoming President vowing to take a tougher stance on his country's isolated neighbours.
After years of a softer approach, President Yoon told the South Korean army earlier this month to "swiftly and firmly punish" the North should it conduct its first nuclear test in five years.
Following a meeting with commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps at a military headquarters 100 miles south of Seoul on July 6, his office said it was the President's mission to "defend the people's lives, property, territory and sovereignty at all costs".
He has previously vowed to strengthen a "three-axis" defense system to be used against the North in case of an imminent nuclear attack, which includes taking out the North Korean leadership, utilising the 'Kill Chain' anti-missile system, and tactical strikes on their soil.
North Korea has tested hypersonic missiles and missiles in recent months that it claims could carry tactical nuclear weapons, shortening the time that Seoul would have to respond to an incoming attack.
