North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a training base for special operations units of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) on Saturday, where he supervised general tactical training exercises and a small-arms shooting contest, according to state media reports.

Accompanying the North Korean leader were senior officials including Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, along with other high-ranking WPK officials. On site to greet Kim were No Kwang Chol, Minister of National Defence, Ri Yong Gil, Chief of the General Staff, and senior military commanders involved in combat training.

Kim observed a range of military drills carried out by various special operations units, which were part of a broader program aimed at adapting training methods to modern warfare trends. The exercises reportedly included the development and application of new Korean-style tactics designed to enhance the effectiveness of the DPRK’s special forces.

As part of the training inspection, Kim guided and observed live-fire exercises with automatic and sniper rifles. He personally test-fired a newly developed sniper rifle intended for deployment in special operations units and expressed satisfaction with its performance, according to North Korean state media.

Physical training demonstrations were also part of the program, showcasing the physical conditioning and combat readiness of the special operations forces.

During his visit, Kim emphasized the importance of intensive training in building real combat capability, stating that preparation for war is a core responsibility of the armed forces. He noted that the strengthening of special operations capabilities is a central component of North Korea’s current military strategy and outlined several tasks for further enhancing their operational readiness.

The visit concluded with a photo session with the participating officers and soldiers. State media reported that the troops expressed their loyalty and determination to fulfill their military duties.

The inspection comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and increased focus by North Korea on modernizing its armed forces. (ILKHA)