NewsKim Jong Un oversees new combat vehicle tests amidst US-South Korea drills
Kim Jong Un oversees new combat vehicle tests amidst US‑South Korea drills
6:56 AM EDT, March 14, 2024
During military exercises that featured a new combat tank, Kim Jong Un took a direct role by commanding one of the tanks, according to state broadcaster KCNA. He expressed "great satisfaction" with the striking power of the newly introduced combat vehicle.
The primary objective of these exercises was to evaluate the tank crews' combat capabilities and to familiarize them with the diverse tactical missions they might encounter. The broadcaster noted that victory in the simulated battle was claimed by the 105th armored division, a unit historically notable for having occupied Seoul during the Korean War.
The military manoeuvres were timed to coincide with the conclusion of joint exercises between South Korea and the United States, marking the first such occurrence since Pyongyang withdrew from the inter-Korean military pact. This pact was designed to reduce tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula. North Korea views these drills as preparations for an aggressive war, while Seoul maintains they are defensive in nature, according to Reuters.
Last week, Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for "increasing the potential for waging war" against the United States and South Korea, prompting the North Korean Ministry of Defense to announce a "response" to the military exercises of the two countries.
