Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid a visit to the military training base of the Korean People’s Army’s special operation units, according to state media reports released on Saturday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim observed a general tactical training exercise and a small-arms shooting competition involving combatants from various special operation units. He monitored the drills from an observation post set up at the training facility.
“Strengthening of the special operation forces constitutes a major component of the army-building strategy at present,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
According to the report, Kim emphasized that bolstering special forces remains a critical part of North Korea’s military strategy. He also laid out a series of key tasks to improve their operational readiness, although KCNA did not elaborate on the specific nature of these assignments.
During the visit, Kim test-fired a newly developed sniper rifle intended for future deployment within the special operations units. He was reportedly pleased with the weapon’s performance and praised its power and effectiveness, attributing its development to domestic North Korean technological efforts.
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These elite units are believed to be among the North Korean troops reportedly deployed to assist Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to claims by South Korea. Analysts suggest that by participating in the war, North Korea could gain valuable battlefield experience and tactical insights. However, Ukrainian officials claim these units have suffered significant casualties.
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While both Moscow and Pyongyang initially dismissed reports of North Korean deployments, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean troops in Russia during remarks made in October 2024. A North Korean official later stated that any such deployment would be consistent with legal norms.
