North Korea rapidly intensifying war preparations.
North Korea Drastically Speeding Up War Preparations
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again toured major munitions factories, issuing orders for a significant increase in the production of missiles and other weapons, according to state media. This comes as the South Korean and U.S. militaries prepare to begin major drills next week to enhance their joint capability against North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats.
Kim’s push for increased weapon production coincides with U.S. officials’ belief that Russia’s defense minister recently engaged in discussions with North Korea regarding the sale of more weapons for Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited factories producing tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, armored vehicles, and artillery shells. During his visit to a missile factory, Kim set a goal to “drastically boost” production capacity to meet the needs of front-line military units.
Kim also emphasized the need to build modern missile launch trucks and increase the production of large-caliber multiple rocket launcher shells. He even test-drove a new utility combat armored vehicle.
Since his high-stakes diplomacy with then-President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, Kim has been focused on expanding his nuclear and missile arsenals. In 2022 alone, North Korea’s military has conducted over 100 missile tests, many of which were intended to warn the U.S. and South Korea about their joint military training exercises.
Experts believe that Kim’s ultimate goal is to leverage his modernized weapons arsenals to secure concessions from the U.S., such as sanctions relief, when diplomatic negotiations resume.
As the U.S. and South Korea prepare to commence their summer military exercises, North Korea may conduct more weapons tests. However, the U.S. and South Korea have repeatedly stated that their training is not intended for an invasion of North Korea.
Kim emphasized the need for North Korea to possess an overwhelming military force capable of annihilating its enemies. Meanwhile, the U.S.-South Korean drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, will involve computer-simulated command post exercises and large-scale field training events.
According to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Lee Sung Joon, this year’s drills aim to strengthen the allies’ response capabilities by simulating scenarios that reflect North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities.
Col. Isaac L. Taylor, a spokesman for the U.S. military, stated that the drills are designed to be tough and realistic.
Livestream of today’s press conference c/o @Mylife_KTV https://t.co/M6EqYJhA0A
— U.S. Forces Korea (@USForcesKorea) August 14, 2023
The Biden administration recently revealed that U.S. intelligence officials determined that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed increasing the sale of munitions to Moscow during his visit to Pyongyang. North Korea has denied these claims but has publicly supported Russia in the war with Ukraine.
Kim has been seeking to strengthen ties with China and Russia in response to U.S.-led pressure campaigns and economic difficulties caused by the pandemic.
Furthermore, North Korea has been hit by Tropical Storm Khanun, resulting in the flooding of nearly 500 acres of farmland in the eastern region. Kim visited the affected areas, criticizing local officials for failing to prevent the flooding and calling for immediate steps to protect the crops.
North Korea is no stranger to weather-related disasters, such as flooding and droughts. These factors, combined with pandemic restrictions, unsuccessful grain supply attempts, and declining personal incomes, have exacerbated the country’s food shortage.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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