Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has issued a stern warning of "terrible retaliatory attacks" against any forces committing hostile military acts against North Korea during a military parade held to mark a key party congress. The announcement was reported by state media.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim delivered his remarks at a nighttime parade in Pyongyang as the high-profile ruling party gathering concluded. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim emphasized the readiness of North Korea's armed forces to handle any situation, asserting their ability to execute retaliatory attacks immediately upon any infringement on national sovereignty and security interests.

Kim stated, "In this world of today, it is the topmost, overriding task of our state and the duty of our armed forces, which no one else could perform for them, to reliably defend the rights to existence and development of our state and people."

The parade, held at Kim Il Sung Square, showcased various troops, including an overseas operation unit and a mechanized infantry unit, alongside aerial performances, as noted by the KCNA. The ruling Workers' Party of Korea's ninth party congress, which began last Thursday, aimed to outline major policy directions for the coming five years, covering areas such as diplomacy, defense, and the economy.