Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has personally overseen the delivery of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to frontier troops, state media KCNA reported on Monday.
The launchers, described by state media as modern tactical attack weapons personally designed by Kim, are set to be transferred to Korean People’s Army units stationed along the frontier with the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Last month, Pyongyang announced it had test-fired a new tactical ballistic missile, heightening regional tensions. The recent deployment of these missile launchers near the border has been perceived by Seoul as an act intended to “threaten” the ROK.
Lee Sung-joon, spokesperson for the ROK’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated at a media briefing, “We believe the missile launchers are intended to be used in various ways, such as to attack or threaten the South… Deploying near the border would mean that the range is not long.”
In a notable appearance, Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, attended the delivery ceremony, as shown in KCNA photos. This marks her first public appearance in nearly three months, drawing attention from observers.
(Cover: Kim Jong Un hands the military flag of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to soldiers during a ceremony to mark the delivery of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers in Pyongyang, DPRK, August 4, 2024. /CFP)
Reference(s):
Kim Jong Un oversees delivery of missile launchers to border: KCNA
cgtn.com
