North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overseen air defense drills on Friday and emphasized the importance of realistic getting ready for battle, according to state media KCNA. These drills took place after the end of joint yearly exercises involving South Korea and the United States earlier this week.
"Soldiers must undergo realistic training that directly relates to warfare in order to prepare them as true combat fighters," Kim Jong Un stated.
Kim Jong Un Praises North Korean Troops Amid Exercise
The readiness of North Korean troops has been conveyed as being enough by Kim Jong Un. After the joint annual drills between South Korea and the United States, North Korea proceeded to carry out its own military exercises.
The joint drills between South Korea and the US took place for the first time since November, when Pyongyang decided to cancel a 2018 inter-Korean military acceptance that was meant to reduce tensions.
The just-ended 10-day Freedom Shield exercises saw a remarkable level of participation from member states of the US-led United Nations Command, which was established following the armistice of the Korean War from 1950-1953.
Kim Jong Un overseen the recent training to evaluate the preparedness of paratroopers for potential recruitment during times of war.
According to the report from KCNA, these drills were conducted to assess the troops' abilities and readiness for unexpected wartime situations. The troops demonstrated their impressive speed in occupying enemy territory upon receiving orders.
Kim addressed the significance of realistic and scientific training techniques, indicating his goal of obtaining maximum combat effectiveness in present fight locations. He also emphasized the value of adopting realistic training methods.
Accompanied by senior military officials, Kim's young daughter, Ju Ae, was seen observing the drills through binoculars in images released by Pyongyang's Rodong Sinmun newspaper. Troops on the ground were depicted taking strategic positions as paratroopers descended from above, according to Reuters.
North Korea's Aggressive Stance towards South Korea
This report follows Pyongyang's recent announcement of Kim's inspection of a purportedly formidable new battle tank, which the North claims to be the world's most powerful.
Meanwhile, Seoul and Washington wrapped up their annual Freedom Shield exercises this week, which saw a greater number of troops participating compared to previous years. The exercises included a range of military maneuvers, such as missile interception and air assault drills.
North Korea had previously warned of consequences for the joint drills, asserting that the South and the US would pay a "dear price". Additionally, Pyongyang announced Kim's supervision of a significant artillery drill targeting South Korea's capital.
Between the Washington-Seoul drills, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated the power of getting advanced combat skills, such as conducting clearing operations within North Korea's strategic facilities.
Pyongyang's recent actions bring out a growing resentment towards South Korea. In a period of rising tensions, North Korea has declared South Korea as its main adversary, dissolved organizations aimed at unity, and made forceful statements regarding territorial conflicts, Barrons reported.
