The statement from North Korea's Defense Ministry came after state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un reviewed images of US military bases in Guam sent back by Pyongyang's newly launched reconnaissance satellite.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the launch of a satellite rocket on Tuesday. Photo: KCNA
South Korea had also suspended part of the 2018 agreement after North Korea's satellite launch, and vowed to step up surveillance along the border. The country, along with Japan and the United States, had previously accused North Korea of violating UN sanctions.
North Korea said it had completely scrapped the agreement. “We will withdraw military steps taken to prevent military tension and conflict in all domains including land, sea and air and deploy stronger armed forces and new-type military equipment in the area along the Military Demarcation Line,” the North Korean Defense Ministry said, according to the KCNA news agency.
Tuesday's launch was Pyongyang's third attempt this year to put a satellite into orbit. South Korea's military said the satellite had entered orbit, but said it was too early to know whether it was functional.
North Korea's Defense Ministry reiterated Thursday that the satellite launch was part of its "right to self-defense." It accused South Korea of straining the agreement by stepping up military provocations, according to KCNA.
KCNA said the satellite would begin its official reconnaissance mission on December 1. Experts said successfully putting a reconnaissance satellite into orbit would improve North Korea's intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially on South Korea, and provide vital data in any military conflict.
Huy Hoang (according to KCNA, Yonhap, Reuters)
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