North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday inspected a military training base housing elite special operations units of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), reaffirming the strategic importance of these forces in the country’s defense policy.
State media reported that Kim observed a general tactical training exercise and a small-arms shooting competition involving various special operations combatants. From an elevated observation post, he monitored the drills, which form part of an intensified training programme.
“Strengthening the special operation forces constitutes a major component of our army-building strategy at present,” Kim said, underscoring the pivotal role these units play in North Korea’s evolving military doctrine. He also outlined key tasks aimed at enhancing their operational readiness and battlefield capabilities.
During the visit, Kim personally test-fired a newly developed sniper rifle set to be deployed to the elite units. Expressing satisfaction, he praised its power and performance, crediting North Korean technological advancements for the weapon’s development.
The inspection comes amid rising regional tensions, as South Korea claims that North Korea has deployed special operations troops to Russia to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Seoul has described this alleged deployment as part of a deepening military partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
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