According to North Korean state media, on Thursday, it was reported that dictator Kim Jong-un personally led a new model tank during military exercises aimed at preparing for a potential land conflict, likely with South Korea. In his statements during the event, reportedly held on Wednesday, Kim emphasized North Korea’s production of what he termed as “the most powerful tanks in the world.” The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim expressing satisfaction with the tank’s striking power and maneuverability.
Kim’s presence seemed to bolster the morale of the tank crews, with KCNA reporting, “After reviewing the tank crews, [Kim] mounted a new-type main battle tank, seized the control lever and drove the tank himself, adding to the high militant spirit of the tankmen of our army and deeply instilling firm outlooks on the enemy and war into them.” The report continued with KCNA stating, “All the officers and men of the tank units raised stormy cheers of hurrah, looking up to the invincible and iron-willed brilliant commander.”
Photographs purportedly showing Kim driving a tank, interacting with soldiers, and observing military exercises were published by KCNA. South Korean newspaper Korea JoongAng Daily cited outside experts who believe the tanks depicted in the photos represent an upgraded version of a similar vehicle unveiled during a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2020.
These displays, likely aimed at intimidating South Korea against any potential land incursion, coincided with joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as “Freedom Shield.” Responding to Pyongyang’s actions, the South Korean Army announced its own tank drills on Thursday. According to the South Korean newswire service Yonhap, these drills involved 300 members of the American and South Korean militaries and included various military assets such as tanks and armored vehicles.
Over the past four years, North Korea has escalated its military exercises and aggressive rhetoric, seemingly in response to the administrations of both American President Joe Biden and conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. The shift in North Korean propaganda, including capitalizing South Korea’s name, indicates a change in tone towards its southern neighbor.
Kim Jong-un declared in January a final conclusion drawn from the history of inter-Korean relations, stating, “We don’t want war, but we have no intention of avoiding it.” He emphasized the necessity for his military to prepare for various scenarios regarding South Korea, referring to it by its formal name, the Republic of Korea (ROK).
According to a KCNA report from January, Kim described South Korea as the “principal enemy” and stressed the need for North Korea to recognize the ROK as the most hostile state toward them. In a separate development reported later that month, North Korean media claimed the possession of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, enhancing their maritime and underwater capabilities.
Despite North Korea’s claims of advanced nuclear military technology, the South Korean government maintains that it does not recognize North Korea as a nuclear power. This assertion came in response to inquiries regarding growing cooperation between Pyongyang and the Russian government led by Vladimir Putin.
{Matzav.com}
Wow, how did he fit inside? Must have a jumbo size hatch!