Kim Jong Un praises top tank unit, encourages war preparations amid tensions with South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jon Un visited his top tank group and encouraged readiness for war, continuing a trend of heightened military demonstrations and threats.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have heightened after Kim in past months dialed up his military demonstrations, including tests of nuclear-capable missiles designed to target South Korea, the United States and Japan, while issuing threats of nuclear conflict against its rivals.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo have responded by strengthening their combined military exercises and updating their deterrence plans built around strategic U.S. assets.