Meanwhile, the chief of Staff of the south Korean navy also cried out for "bolstering up combat capability to make a prompt and resolute retaliation against the enemy provocation."

Minju Joson on Thursday observes in a commentary in this regard:

The reckless confrontation remarks made by the south Korean warmongers and north-targeted war exercises staged in different parts of south Korea from the outset of the new year are deliberate provocations perpetrated by the confrontation maniacs to push the inter-Korean relations into a catastrophe.

It is fundamental to realizing Korea's reunification to defuse the danger of war and safeguard peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. That is why the DPRK has made patient efforts to achieve peace and stability on the peninsula.

However, if aggressors and provocateurs choose to ignite a nuclear war against the north to chill the whole nation's desire for peaceful reunification, the powerful revolutionary Paektusan army will never pardon them but resolutely retaliate against them with a merciless sacred war of justice, a great war for national reunification.

The south Korean war maniacs should not misjudge the DPRK's patient efforts for peace on the peninsula and regional stability but stop going reckless.

If they truly want the improved north-south relations and peaceful reunification, they should halt the dangerous war exercises and military provocations escalating the tension.