Kim Jong-Un Urges Full War Prep in North Korea
Kim Jong-un Oversees Special Operations Drills, Urges Full War Preparations
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised combined tactical drills involving special operations and tank subunits on May 13, emphasizing that the “most crucial task” for the Korean People’s Army is to make “full preparations for war,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), as reported by Yonhap.
The drills, which included a joint fire strike demonstration, aimed to transform the military into an “elite ranks,” Kim stated.
Kim highlighted the “anti-imperialist class front” as a key focus, a concept likely tied to North Korea’s recent military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
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State media images showed troops in camouflage operating drones, aligning with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reports of North Korean soldiers learning drone tactics from Russia. Last month, North Korea confirmed deploying troops to Russia under a June 2024 mutual defense treaty, with Kim calling the move “justifiable” during a Russian Embassy visit last week, per KCNA.
The drills follow Kim’s recent oversight of missile tests and tank factory inspections, reflecting a broader military modernization push amid tensions with the U.S. and South Korea.
KCNA reported Kim’s call for enhanced combat readiness to counter “imperialist” threats, citing U.S.-South Korea joint exercises as provocations. South Korea’s military noted that such activities, including May 8 missile launches, may also test weapons for export.
North Korea’s alignment with Russia, including 15,000 troops sent since fall 2024 and significant casualties (around 4,700, per South Korean estimates), has raised concerns about Russia providing advanced military technology in return. The U.S. and South Korea have condemned the deployment as a violation of U.N. resolutions.
Kim’s focus on war preparedness signals heightened regional risks, with analysts warning of potential escalation if North Korea’s nuclear and drone capabilities advance further.
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