North Korea says US nuclear submarine at South Korea port posing grave threat, KCNA reports
SEOUL: North Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday (Feb 11) the United States is again posing a grave security threat by sending a nuclear submarine to a South Korean port and its military forces are ready to take any action necessary, KCNA news agency reported.
The emergence of a US nuclear submarine in the Korean peninsula is a "clear expression of the US invariable hysteria for confrontation" against North Korea, an unnamed spokesperson for the North's defence ministry said in a statement.
"We express grave concern over the US dangerous hostile military act that can lead the acute military confrontation in the region around the Korean peninsula to an actual armed force conflict," the statement carried by KCNA news agency said.
Its armed forces will "unhesitatingly exercise the legitimate right to punish the provokers", it said, without elaborating.
US fast attack submarine Alexandria has arrived in South Korea's Busan for supplies replenishment and rest for its crew, South Korean media reported on Monday citing the South's navy.
The South Korean defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation and comment.
The nuclear-powered submarine is part of the US Pacific Fleet armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to the US navy.
North Korea routinely criticises the presence of US military assets and joint drills by U.S. and South Korean forces. On Sunday, it warned of "undesirable consequences" criticising a series of exercises conducted by the allies.
The North's defence ministry spokesperson did not mention separate live-fire drills conducted jointly by South Korean and US armies at a firing range south of the militarised Korean border since last week.
The North has stepped up aggressive rhetoric since Donald Trump took office last month for his second presidency despite his comments suggesting he would reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for direct dialogue.
