North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has replaced the KPA Chief of Staff and has called for increased preparations for war in the context of offensive operations, increasing weapons production and holding additional exercises.
These statements were made on August 9, at a meeting of the Central Military Commission, announced on Thursday Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“The Central Military Commission (CMC) of the WPK convened an extended meeting to discuss the most important issues for further consistent preparation of the army for war in response to the serious military-political situation that has developed on the Korean Peninsula. Comrade Kim Jong-Un deeply summarized and analyzed the current state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula , delivered a programmatic final speech on further offensive acceleration of the preparation of the army for war,” the message says.
According to footage released by state media, the North Korean leader addressed the generals, showing maps, and referred to “major military action” against South Korea.
Last week, Kim spent three days, from Thursday to Saturday, visiting large arms factories.
The meeting of the Central Military Commission came at a time when Seoul and Washington are due to begin their major annual joint military exercise at the end of August. Pyongyang sees the exercise as a rehearsal for an invasion and has repeatedly warned it will take “overwhelming” measures in response.
During a meeting yesterday, the North Korean leader dismissed General Pak Su-il, Chief of the General Staff, and replaced him with Vice Admiral Ri Yong Gil, the KCNA news agency reported without providing further details. Rea most recently served as Secretary of Defense. Park, who was promoted last year, may have been removed from his position “because he did not demonstrate sufficient competence in the field of military operations,” said Jung Sung-chun, a researcher at the Sejong Institute.
According to the KCNA, on the agenda of this meeting was the “question of preparing for total war”, including “the acquisition of means to deliver stronger strikes” in order to provide “ideal military training in war conditions.” Kim asked “all munitions factories to continue mass production of armaments and weapons,” the same source said. “He also asked for real military exercises to effectively use the latest weapons and weapons.”
The meeting also discussed preparations for a grand parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, which will be held on September 9th. At the same time, a major exhibition of military equipment will be organized in Pyongyang.
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