Kim Jong-un calls on North Korean armored division to be ready for combat

North Korean leader inspects a tank unit in a southern province bordering South Korea and calls for increased combat readiness.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on March 24 visited the country's first armored division, established in 1948, based in North Hwanghae Province, southeast of the capital Pyongyang and bordering South Korea, according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA .

The armored division commander briefed Kim on the unit's offensive and defensive plans. The North Korean leader also reviewed the documents and gave instructions on combat missions and training for the troops.

Mr. Kim "laid out tasks and directions for enhancing the unit's combat readiness and power, including preparing for superior ideological and mental strength, physical training and military training, and fully preparing equipment and combat technology for the mobilized force," according to the KCNA.

Kim Jong-un (left) inspects a North Korean tank unit in this photo released on March 25. Photo: Reuters — Kim Jong-un (left) inspects a North Korean tank unit in this photo released on March 25. Photo: *Reuters*

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have continued to escalate recently. Mr Kim told parliament in January that North Korea needed to amend its constitution to define South Korea as its "prime enemy and unchangeable main enemy".

During a visit to the Ministry of National Defense to mark the founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army last month, Kim Jong-un warned that North Korea would not hesitate to "wipe out" South Korea if attacked. He stressed that there would never be any dialogue or negotiations with South Korea, and affirmed that a policy of strong military readiness was the only way to ensure peace and security for Pyongyang.

South Korea's defense minister also warned in January that North Korea would be wiped out if it went to war with the country.

Thanh Tam (According to Reuters )

Source link