Kim Jong-un Urges North Korean Forces to Prepare for War

KPNorth Korea|

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the importance of military readiness, declaring that the armed forces must be fully prepared for war. His statements followed an observation of special forces exercises, as reported by the state media, with an emphasis on modern warfare capabilities.

During the drills, North Korean tanks were seen maneuvering over rugged terrain, while Kim expressed keen interest in the operations, utilizing binoculars to monitor tank fire. The exercises incorporated various training elements, including physical drills and air and sea maneuvers, involving soldiers operating rubber boats and rappelling from helicopters.

Kim called for a shift in training methods to improve the military's technical proficiency and combat effectiveness. He stressed the integration of IT systems and scientific approaches into military training. This announcement comes shortly after Kim confirmed that North Korean troops had allied with Russia in the conflict against Ukraine, highlighting a strengthened relationship between the two nations.

Experts note that these developments may heighten regional tensions, particularly as they follow a recent ballistic missile exercise conducted by Pyongyang.

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