DPRK leader fires top general, calls for war preparedness
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KCNA provided no explanation on the reasons for the move, however, it's been reported that Pyongyang's Defense Minister will fill in his position in the meantime.
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DPRK government photo showing Kim Jong Un attending a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's central military commission in Pyongyang on August 9, 2023. (AP)
Korean Central News Agency KCNA said on Thursday that DPRK leader Kim Jong Un had fired the military's top general and ordered increased preparations for the potential of war, an increase in weapon manufacturing, and an extension of military exercises.
Kim delivered the remarks at the Workers' Party of Korea's (WPK) 8th Central Military Commission's 7th Enlarged Meeting. Without going into any detail, KCNA said that Pak Su Il, the head of the General Staff, was fired by Kim during the meeting.
Until the position is filled again, Defense Minister General Ri Yong Gil will fill in for him. It is unclear if Ri will continue to act as defense minister.
His remarks followed a visit to a weapons factory when he demanded the production of more artillery, missile engines, and other armaments.
In order to effectively operate the nation's most modern weaponry and equipment and maintain a constant state of battle readiness, he also advocated for performing war drills, according to the report.
The 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic will be celebrated by the DPRK on September 9 with a militia parade, as was discussed at the summit, according to the KCNA report.
Paramilitary organizations are widely present in the DPRK, and they are used to strengthen its armed forces.
Kim walks Shoigu through DPRK's newest, most advanced weaponry
It is worth noting that at the end of July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held a meeting with the DPRK's leader in Pyongyang, during which the two sides discussed security and defense issues.
A Russian delegation led by Shoigu arrived in the DPRK on a three-day visit at the invitation of Pyongyang's Defense Ministry to participate in the 70th anniversary of the signing of the July 27, 1953, Korean War armistice, which ended open hostilities and is celebrated as Victory Day.
The news agency indicated that Shoigu and Kim discussed "matters of mutual concern in the field of national defense and security and on the regional and international security environment," pointing out that both sides' positions on the files discussed were in line.
The DPRK state media revealed that Kim gave the Russian Defense Minister a tour of the country's newest and most advanced weaponry.
Read: North Korea says it will not overlook 'dangerous' US, S.Korea drills
