Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has issued a stern warning of "terrible retaliatory attacks" in response to any hostile military actions against his nation. This declaration was made during a military parade held to commemorate a key party congress, as reported by state media on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim delivered his speech at a nighttime parade in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the high-profile ruling party gathering. During his address, Kim emphasized the readiness of North Korea's armed forces to handle any situation. He stated, "Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts of infringing upon our national sovereignty and security interests."

Kim further articulated the responsibility of the state's military, highlighting the importance of defending the nation's rights to existence and development. He remarked, "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 featured aerial performances and showcased various troops, including those from overseas operations and engineering units that have been deployed to support Russia's war against Ukraine. However, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not report the display of any key weapons systems, such as the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile unveiled last October, suggesting their absence from the event.

The ruling Workers' Party of Korea's ninth party congress began last Thursday, focusing on outlining major policy directions for the next five years across areas such as diplomacy, defense, and the economy.