North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that the country would not hesitate to use all available offensive forces, including nuclear weapons, if its sovereignty is threatened.

This statement, reported by state news agency KCNA, came in response to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent remarks about potentially ending the North Korean regime, which Kim criticized as destabilizing.

Kim emphasized that any armed encroachment by the enemy would trigger a strong military response from North Korea.

He also reiterated the country’s commitment to its nuclear program, despite South Korea showcasing military capabilities during its annual armed forces day, NBC News has reported.

Yoon had warned that any nuclear aggression from Pyongyang would lead to a decisive response from South Korea and its U.S. allies.

Written by B.C. Begley