North Korea denounces arrival of US submarine at Busan base

North Korea's defense ministry condemned on Tuesday the recent arrival of a U.S. submarine in South Korea, stating that its military forces are prepared to take any necessary action. "We will not back down an inch from our confrontation with this tyrannical enemy," ministry stated.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that a spokesperson from the ministry said in a statement that the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine, Alexandria, arrived at the Busan naval base on February 10. The base is located about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the submarine was set to replenish supplies and allow its crew to rest.

In the statement, the North Korean defense ministry spokesperson described the submarine's arrival as a clear sign of the U.S.'s "unwavering hysteria for confrontation" with North Korea and an "undeniable threat" to the country’s security environment.

"The U.S. is openly ignoring the security concerns" of North Korea, the spokesperson said, expressing "grave concerns" and warning the U.S. to stop provocations that stir up instability.

"Our armed forces are strictly watching the frequent appearance of the U.S. strategic means on the Korean Peninsula and are ready for using any means to defend the security and interests of the state and the regional peace," the statement said.

The spokesperson also emphasized that North Korea's armed forces will "take actions to deter factors threatening the regional security environment and unhesitatingly exercise their legitimate right to punish those responsible for the provocation."

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated since the beginning of the year, with Pyongyang launching what it claims to be a new hypersonic missile, along with a salvo of short-range missiles, in the lead-up to U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration last month.

On Monday, South Korean and U.S. militaries held a joint live-fire exercise in South Korean city of Pocheon. The drills involved K1A2 tanks, K21 infantry fighting vehicles, U.S. striker armored vehicles, Apache helicopters, and other equipment totalling over 150 units, along with more than 2,000 troops.

The North Korea called it “provocations”, accusing them of escalating tensions and warning they would lead to "undesired results."

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