Kim Jong-un visited several major North Korean arms factories this week, including facilities making engines for strategic cruise missiles, and called for increased weapons production, state media has reported. The three-day inspection of the factories comes less than two weeks after the dictator attended a major military parade with Russian and Chinese officials, showcasing North Korea’s newest weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and spy drones. The inspections come as South Korea and the US prepare for major joint military drills this month. North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has repeatedly threatened “overwhelming” action in response. Last month, Pyongyang held a major military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean war armistice, with analysts describing the event as “the largest, most overt North Korean display of nuclear-capable systems”.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 06, 2023 16:21 UTC