North Korea’s Kim Jong Un sports leather jacket as he leads latest military display and tells commanders to simulate ‘real war’
Kim Jong Un led a military demonstration on Wednesday, ordering commanders to organize exercises that simulate a “real war,” North Korea’s state news agency (KCNA) said.
The despot was dressed all in black and wearing a leather jacket as he was depicted smiling and laughing with senior military figures.
The military event was intended to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews Kim reportedly expressed “great satisfaction” over the fact that a new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first display.
The report said: “Heavy tanks quickly pushed their way through several worst combat conditions, hitting targets simultaneously with powerful attacks and breaking through strong defense lines with high maneuverability.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured center) looks on as he leads a military demonstration involving tank units
Troops salute North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their military demonstration involving tank units
He was accompanied at the event by senior officials, including Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam.
The latest military exercise takes place amid rising global tensions, partly due to the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Photos released by the country show Kim Jong Un standing atop a tank as soldiers crowd around him and appear to applaud.
Others showed dozens of tanks lined up in a row with their crews standing next to them as the North Korean leader walked by and apparently surveyed those present.
Several tanks flying the North Korean flag were also seen firing ammunition into a field.
Large plumes of smoke and fire were seen coming from military vehicles in the latest attempt to demonstrate North Korea’s military capabilities.
Tanks shoot during the military demonstration attended by Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong Un (pictured) stood atop a tank as he addressed troops
Kim stressed the need to organize intensive exercises simulating actual war and training competitions to enhance combat capabilities so that any combat mission can be carried out quickly and accurately in any conditions.
Kim’s appearance at the demonstration came days after he led an artillery exercise last week by the Korean People’s Army, the country’s armed forces.
The exercise involved units near the border that are within firing range of “the enemy’s capital,” KCNA said, referring to the South Korean capital Seoul, which has a population of nearly 10 million.