South Korea's acting president orders military to be ready to respond to North Korea

(Baonghean.vn)- Acting President and Prime Minister of South Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn on April 20ordered the country's military to be ready for an "immediate" response to any provocation from North Korea.

» US praises South Korea for its bravery, warns North Korea not to seek challenges

Acting President and Prime Minister of South Korea Hwang Kyo-ahn. Photo: Reuters

The South Korean leader's remarks came amid growing concerns that the Pyongyang regime could conduct its sixth nuclear test or an intercontinental ballistic missile launch on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army on April 25.

“I urge the military to always pay close attention to the possibility of North Korea’s provocations and to strengthen readiness to respond immediately,” Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn said at a regular meeting of Cabinet ministers on outstanding national affairs.

Referring to Pyongyang's failed missile launch over the weekend and its threatening statements, the South Korean acting president said the North Korean government could resume provocative actions at any time.

Tensions have been rising on the inter-Korean peninsula in recent weeks, with Pyongyang preparing for a new nuclear test and the US issuing strong warnings in response to the Northeast Asian nation's provocative behavior.

During a visit to Seoul earlier this week, US Vice President Mike Pence warned Pyongyang not to test America's "resolve", noting a series of military actions Washington has taken in Syria and Afghanistan in recent times./.

Lan Ha

(According to Yonhap)