North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed the military’s top general and called for more preparations for the possibility of war, state media KCNA has reported.
Key points:
- Mr Kim also set a target for the expansion of weapons-production capacity
- The US has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine
- North Korea has a number of paramilitary groups it uses to bolster its military forces
Mr Kim made the comments at a meeting of the Central Military Commission which discussed plans for countermeasures to deter North Korea’s enemies, which it did not name, the report said.
General Ri Yong Gil was named to replace the military’s top general, Chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il, KCNA reported, without elaborating. It was unclear if General Ri will retain his role as defence minister.
Mr Kim also set a target for the expansion of weapons production capacity, the report said, without providing details.
Last week he visited weapons factories where he called for more missile engines, artillery and other weapons to be built.
Photos released by KCNA showed Mr Kim pointing at Seoul and areas surrounding the South Korean capital on a map.
The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine, including artillery shells, rockets and missiles. Russia and North Korea have denied those claims.
Mr Kim also called for the military to conduct drills with the country’s latest weapons and equipment to keep its forces ready for combat, the report said.
North Korea is set to stage a militia parade on September 9, marking the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic.
North Korea has a number of paramilitary groups it uses to bolster its military forces.
The US and South Korea are scheduled to hold military drills between August 21 and 24, which Pyongyang sees as a threat to its security.
Reuters