North Korea approves automatic nuclear strike policy in leadership crisis scenarios

SEOUL/PYONGYANG – North Korea has amended its constitution to establish an automatic nuclear retaliation mechanism in the event of an assassination or incapacitation of leader Kim Jong Un by a foreign attack, according to reports from Western media and intelligence briefings. The constitutional revision reportedly formalises a doctrine under which the country’s nuclear weapons could be launched even if the top leadership is eliminated or rendered unable to command the armed forces. The development comes amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea has continued to expand its nuclear and missile capabilities while strengthening its strategic doctrine on deterrence and retaliation. The amendment was adopted during the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly held in Pyongyang, marking a significant development in the country’s nuclear policy framework. The details of the change were later shared in a briefing by the South Korea National Intelligence Service (NIS) with senior government officials, according to officials familiar with the matter. Under the revised structure, Kim Jong Un remains the supreme commander of North Korea’s nuclear forces. The updated policy introduces predefined operational procedures aimed at ensuring immediate retaliation in case the country’s nuclear command-and-control system is attacked or disabled. The revised Article 3 of North Korea’s nuclear law states that if hostile forces threaten or incapacitate the state’s nuclear command structure, a nuclear strike must be carried out automatically and without delay. Analysts say the move is intended to reinforce deterrence by ensuring continuity of nuclear command in extreme wartime scenarios, even if the country’s leadership is targeted. North Korea conducts second cruise missile test from newest destroyer