South Korea warns North of ‘end of Kim’s regime’ if it uses nuclear weapons

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that any use of nuclear weapons against Seoul would lead to the end of hisregime.

Yeol was speaking during an event marking the 76th Armed Forces Day, as North Korea has intensified its nuclear threats with the first public disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility last month.

He further underscored the strength of South Korea's alliance with the US, which currently has thousands of troops in the country.

"Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea's provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture," Yoon said during a commemorative ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," he added.

The South Korean president also noted North Korea's move to send trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks on its territory.

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"After committing despicable types of provocations like sending trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks, they have now gone so far as to claim a 'two hostile states' theory, even denying the possibility of reunification," he said.

South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea could produce a significant number of nuclear weapons and may conduct another nuclear test after the US elections.

Yeol urged the Kim's regime to abandon "delusions" that nuclear weapons guarantee its security, vowing to build a strong military and strengthen the security posture based on the strong alliance with the US, as well as trilateral cooperation involving Japan.

“False peace, based on the enemy's goodwill, is nothing but a mirage," he said. "History has proven that the only way to safeguard peace is by strengthening our power so the enemy cannot dare challenge us."

(With inputs from agencies)