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Kim Jong Un led a military demonstration on Wednesday, asking commanders to organize drills simulating an “actual war,” according to the North Korean state news agency (KCNA).
The despot dressed in all black and donned a leather jacket as he was pictured smiling and laughing with senior military figures.
The military event was designed to inspect the combat capabilities of tank crews and Kim reportedly expressed ‘great satisfaction’ that a new type of main battle tank successfully demonstrated its striking power in its first exhibition.
The report said: ‘Heavy tanks, rapidly weaving their way through various worst combat conditions, hit targets at once with powerful attacks and broke through strong defensive lines with high maneuverability.’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (pictured center) looks on as he guides a military demonstration involving tank units
Troops salute North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their military demonstration involving tank units
He was joined by senior officials, including Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam, at the event.
The latest military exercise comes amid rising global tensions, partly over the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
In photographs released by the country, Kim Jong Un was seen standing on top of a tank as soldiers crowded around him and appeared to be clapping.
Others showed dozens of tanks lined up with their crews alongside as the North Korean leader passed by, apparently inspecting those present.
Several tanks with the North Korean flag were also seen firing ammunition into a field.
Large plumes of smoke and fire could be seen coming from the military vehicles in the latest attempt to show off North Korea’s military capabilities.
Tanks firing during the military demonstration attended by Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong Un (pictured) stood on top of a tank as he addresses troops
Kim stressed the need to organize intensive exercises simulating an actual war and training matches to improve combat capabilities to be able to execute any combat mission quickly and accurately in any contingency.
Kim’s appearance at the rally came days after he led an artillery firing exercise by the Korean People’s Army, the country’s military force, last week.
The drill involved units near the border that are within firing range of the “enemy’s capital,” KCNA said, referring to South Korea’s capital Seoul, which has a population of nearly 10 million.