N. Korean leader inspects special operation units' training on day of Yoon's ouster
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a special operations training base Friday and observed a comprehensive training exercise, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency the following day. Korean Central News Agency-Yonhap
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected training activities of special operations units earlier this week, stressing that strengthening their capabilities was key to building a strong army, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday.
Kim visited a training base for the special operation units, Friday -- the day when South Korea's Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office.
Kim oversaw the general tactical training and a small-arms shooting contest conducted by the units' soldiers, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"The actual war capability for guaranteeing victory in the field is bolstered through intensive training and it is the most vivid expression of patriotism and loyalty to the country," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA.
The North's leader noted that the "strengthening of the special operation forces constitutes a major component of the army building strategy at present," the report said.
The KCNA said Kim also laid out "crucial" tasks to put the special operation units' capability on "a highly-developed" basis, but did not disclose details.
Without referring to him by name, the KCNA reported the first vice defense minister was among top military officials who greeted Kim at the base. KCNA photos showed former Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam carrying the name tag of the first vice defense minister. (Yonhap)