US Does Not Rule Out Armed Conflict Between South and North Korea: NYT

North Korea may take military action against South Korea in the coming months, reports The New York Times (NYT), citing U.S. administration officials. They believe that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent statements have been "more aggressive" and should be taken seriously.

American officials clarified that they do not see an immediate threat of a large-scale war on the Korean Peninsula; however, they believe Pyongyang could strike in a manner that could avoid rapid escalation. They cited the 2010 artillery attack on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, during which North Korea and South Korea exchanged fire. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides, but eventually, the bombardment ceased.

According to NYT, U.S. officials believe that Kim Jong-un is "likely feeling emboldened by his expanding partnership with Russia." At the same time, U.S. agencies have not yet noted specific signs that North Korea is preparing for military actions or a major war.

The leader of North Korea stated that in 2024, the country should accelerate its preparations for war in response to the U.S.'s "unprecedented" confrontational measures. He labeled South Korea as the most hostile country and called for this designation to be enshrined in the North Korean constitution, as well as for the removal of references to peaceful reunification with South Korea from the constitution.