With KPA Assets in Syria and Rumors of Moscow Trip, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik Remains PY Man of the Hour

KPA officers meet a man injured during the Syrian civil war at a hospital in Syria in 2012 (Photo: SANA/NKLW file photo)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on 3 June (Monday) that Arabic-speaking Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel are serving as military advisers on artillery tactics and providing logistical support to the Syrian Armed Forces, currently defending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s ongoing civil war. Citing information from a pro-Assad militia,  Rami Abd-al-Rahman, director of the the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,’ told Al-Sharq al-Awsat “that North Korean officers are taking part alongside the regular forces in the fighting in Aleppo” and that “the overall number of these officers is unknown but there are certainly between 11 and 15 North Korean officers and the majority of them speak Arabic. . .(they) are deployed at several fronts such as the defense factories southeast of Aleppo and at the regular forces’ bases inside the city itself.” He went on to point out that “these officers are not taking part in the field battles but offering logistical support in addition to drawing up the military operations maps. They are also supervising the regular army’s artillery shelling.”

The last observed, credible reports about DPRK military assistance to Syria during the unfolding civil war were in May 2012 and involved dedicated shipments of vehicle parts, munitions’ component parts and ordnance.  DPRK cargo vessel ODAI docked in the Syrian port cities of Latakiya and Tartus during 29 to 31 May 2012.  According to Haaretz, citing elements of the Syrian opposition, reported that “North Korea is also continuing to send arms to Syria. The shipments arrive by air and sea and they are being paid by a special slush fund that the Iranian government set up for this purpose.”   The DPRK has made several public demonstrations of support to its embattled ally including meetings between DPRK and Syrian officials in July 2012, DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yo’n referring to Syria’s civil war in address to the United Nations General Assembly in October 2012 and a number of exchanges of gifts and congratulatory letters between President Assad and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).  

The DPRK began contacts and exchanges with Syria in the early 1960′s and established former diplomatic relations in 1966.  Syria was the DPRK’s major conduit through which it provided military equipment, training and advisers to freedom fighter and radical Muslim groups in the Middle East and Africa from the 1960s on.  KPA assets assisted Syria during the October War (Yom Kippur War) in 1973 and provided support, at Syria’s behest and participated in the Lebanese Civil War.  In 1982, KPA advisers were present when Syrian forces quelled an uprising in Hama and later that year KPA forces were deployed to Syria and Lebanon during the 1982 Lebanon War.  Since the 1970s the DPRK and Syria have had an extensive military exchange relationship which has included numerous arms shipments and the deployment of KPA strategic and logistical advisers.  The DPRK Foreign Ministry and DPRK state media have also publicly defended Syria, including issuing official denials that the two countries were cooperating on nuclear weapons development after the Israeli Air Force bombed an alleged nuclear facility in Syria on 6 September 2007.

The Korean People’s Army General Staff, led by Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

One of the DPRK’s major players in its military relationship with Syria is current Chief of the KPA General Staff, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.  Gen. Kim served as a deputy military attache at the DPRK Embassy in Damascus for almost decade starting in 1971.  Gen. Kim managed a number of military cooperation projects with the Syrian Armed Forces, including rehabilitating Syrian military forces in the mid-1970s and coordinating shipments of multiple-launch rocket systems and other military support to various radical organizations.  With the DPRK and its core leadership providing both public and substantial support to Syria during the civil war, and given Gen. Kim’s experience and extensive ties to Damascus, it is likely his recent public profile and switching one senior KPA position for another after six months are partially linked to the DPRK’s continued support for Syria.

Gen. Kim Kyok Sik was also rumored to to have been selected to lead a senior DPRK delegation on a visit to Moscow.  Kyunghyang Shinmun reported “Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff Kim Kyuk Sik is being tapped as the (North Korean) envoy and the number of the North’s delegation is likely to be six or seven” and that Gen. Kim and the delegation would arrive on or around 7 June (Friday), timed to occur whilst US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in California.  On 3 June, Interfax quoted an anonymous official in the Russian Foreign Ministry that “no high-level visits are being planned at the moment” between the DPRK and Russia.

Children’s Union Donates MLRS in Hamhu’ng Ceremony

Sonyonho multiple-launch rocket systems [MLRS] are paraded by the Hamhu’ng Grand Theater for delivery to KPA units, after a 1 June 2013 ceremony at which Korean Children’s Union members donated the MLRS to the KPA (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

DPRK state media reported that the Korean Children’s Union [KCU] donated Sonyonho (children) multiple launch rocket systems [MLRS] during a ceremony held in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 1 June (Saturday).  The ceremony was attended by KCU members, Kim Il Sung (Socialist) Youth League Chairman Jon Yong Nam, officials of the KISYL and the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Workers’ Organizations Department and Korean People’s Army [KPA] officers and service members.   The ceremony and delivery of the MLRS was scheduled to occur before the KCU’s Seventh Congress, which will convene in Pyongyang on 6 June (Thursday).

Kim Il Sung Youth League Chairman Jon Yong Nam delivers a speech at a ceremony held to donate MLRS to KPA units in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province on 1 June 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

The plaza in front of the Hamhu’ng Grand Theater in Hamhu’ng, South Hamgyo’ng Province, was the venue for the 1 June KCU ceremony donating MLRS to KPA units (Photo: Google image).

Members of the Korean Children’s Union and the Korean People’s Army attend a ceremony donating multiple-launch rocket systems [MLRS] in Hamhu’ng on 1 June 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

KPA officers on the platform (dais) for a ceremony donating MLRS to KPA units on 1 June 2013 (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Before the formal delivery of the Sonyonho MRLS, Jon Yong Nam delivered the ceremony’s keynote speech.  Jon and other speakers at the ceremony said “that they would actively conduct Our School-Our Post movement and diverse do-good-thing campaign and send more combat and technical equipment named Sonyonho to the KPA” and “noted that servicepersons would sweep away the strongholds of the U.S. imperialists and South Korean group of traitors who work hard to stifle socialism in the DPRK by fully charging the multiple launch rocket systems in the spirit of annihilating the enemy.”  After the speaking program, the MLRS paraded through Hamhu’ng’s city centre.

Sonyonho (children) multiple launch rocket systems [MLRS] parade through Hamhu’ng’s city centre on 1 June 2013 for delivery to Korean People’s Army units (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un Visits Kosan Fruit Farm

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the Kosan Fruit Farm in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 3 June (Monday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Kosan Fruit Farm in Kosan County, Kangwo’n Province.  Attending the visit were Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff), Choe Hwi (Senior Deputy [1st] Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Propaganda and Agitation Department) Pak Tae Song (Deputy KWP Director), Col. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (Chief of the KPA Artillery Command) and Maj. Gen. An Ji Yong.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his inspection of the KPA base on Mt. Osong and KPA Unit #507.

The Kosan Fruit Farm is reportedly undergoing a major expansion.  The fruit farm was one of two pomiculture sites on the DPRK’s east coat which received technical advice on cultivation and modernization during 2008 to 2010 through a program of Germany’s Ministry of Cooperation [PDF available from the National Committee on North Korea here]. After arriving at the fruit farm, Kim Jong Un was briefed about the farm’s geography and production.  He recalled a June 2011 visit to the fruit farm by late leader Kim Jong Il and said the farm “an important one to which the leader paid special attention as it is directly linked with the people’s living.”  Kim Jong Un was also briefed about the construction activities of KPA Construction Shock Brigade #618 which has contributed to the Kosan Fruit Farm’s expansion.

Overview of Kosan Fruit Farm and Kosan County, Kangwo’n Province with images from the Kosan Fruit Farm (Photos: Google image; Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) tours pomiculture plantings at Kosan Fruit Farm (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un was also briefed about the cultivation of apple trees and according to KCNA said that “he felt as if he were watching trees heavily laden with apples in autumn and expressed satisfaction at the fact that the farm has turned into a young orchard.”  He “stressed the need to mass-produce organic compound fertilizer and thus decisively raise the fertility of soil by applying a ring-shaped rotation production system to the combination of fruit farming and stock-breeding” and “also underscored the need for the farm to make full preparations from now on to solve the issues arising in picking and carrying apples and processing fruits, in particular, in keeping with the increase of fruit production.”  Kim Jong Un instructed that a combined fruit farm be constructed on the premises of the fruit farm.  He also toured an irrigation facility.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “praised the builders and employees of the farm for having introduced a modern irrigation system to put the manuring and cultivation of fruit trees on a highly intensive basis and thus provided a scientific and technological guarantee for boosting the fruit production while safely cultivating the trees.”  He also saw a road recently completed by KPA Construction Shock Brigade #618.

Kim Jong Un remarked that “it is meaningful, indeed, that a large orchard has made its appearance at the foot of Chol Pass symbolic of the Military-First (So’ngun) revolutionary leadership. . . a fresh fairyland called ‘the sea of apples at foot of Chol Pass’ will spring up when the project for expanding the capacity of the farm comes to a finish and a sea of apples is unfolded there.”  Kim Jong Un toured a small construction materials factory and said “the expansion project should be completed unconditionally at the date fixed by Kim Jong Il” and he “expressed expectation and belief that the members of the shock brigade and the employees of the farm would make sustained efforts to step up the project and increase the fruit production.”

Kim Jong Un Visits Construction of Ski Park

Kim Jong Un stands at the bottom of a ski slope during his visit to the construction of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 26 May (Sunday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Masin Pass skiing grounds in Kangwo’n Province and inspected Korean People’s Army [KPA] Navy Unit #291.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his visit to the food factory of KPA Unit #534.  Attending his visit to the construction of the ski park and inspection of the navy unit were Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon and Lt. Gen. So Hong Chan.

Kim Jong Un’s first stop was the construction of a skiing grounds in Masin Pass in Kangwo’n Province.  The park’s construction is being conducted by officers and service members of the KPA.  Kim Jong Un was reported to be “greatly satisfied to learn that soldier-builders have constructed a skiing area on mountain ranges covering hundreds of thousands of square meters, including primary, intermediate and advanced courses with almost 110 000 meters in total length and 40-120 meters in width” and said “the skiing ground is located in the best place as it ensures a long period of skiing and it is easy to have access to it with the Pyongyang-Wonsan tourist motorway available nearby.” Kim Jong Un was briefed about the construction of the skiing grounds before going up to the park’s highest elevations.  According to KCNA he said “it is nice to see it, but it would be more fantastic to watch the ground covered with snow” then “indicated tasks and ways for hastening the construction of the skiing ground” and “noted that it is the firm determination of the Party to build the skiing ground into a world class one.”  Kim Jong Un instructed that the skiing grounds be completed in time for the start of winter in 2013.

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the construction of the Masik Pass skiing grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Construction of an area of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) talks with senior officials and KPA construction managers on a peak at the construction site of the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un “gave instructions to properly build a drainage system to prevent the courses from being washed away by rain in the rainy season and plant turf of good species suitable for that area so as to keep the courses in good shape even after thaw.”  Kim Jong Un also said, “it is necessary to build well not only rest places but first- aid stations at starting, middle and final points of the courses and establish an automatic cableway monitoring system for a real time watch so as to take measures to prevent accidents” and “underlined the need to preserve ecological environment and prevent pollution while building the skiing ground.”  According to KCNA, he also “called for properly setting up a unit for operating the ground and scrupulously organizing its management from now while pushing ahead with the construction, and taking measures for the production of skis and other winter sports apparatuses” and “called on the relevant field to supply equipment and materials needed for construction in a responsible manner and pay deep attention to this work.”

 

Kim Jong Un Visits KPA Supply Base and Food Factory

Kim Jong Un (1) looks at fish caught by the “supply base” of KPA Unit #639. Also in attendance is Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju (2) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

DPRK state media reported on 25 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspected a Korean People’s Army [KPA] supply base on the country’s east coast and visited the food factory of KPA Unit #534.  Kim Jong Un’s last observed appearance was his inspection of KPA Unit #405.  Attending his visit were Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Col. Gen. Jong Chang Bok, Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon and Lt. Gen. So Hung Chun.

Kim Jong Un’s first appearance was a field inspection of a commercial fishing and boat repair facility subordinate to KPA Unit #639.  He viewed persimmon trees and listened to a poetry recital, then toured the dining hall, public baths and other facilities for the employees.  He was briefed about the management and operations of the “supply base” and “urged other fishery bases to follow the working style and experience of the officials at that unit.”Kim Jong Un toured a boat repair facility and one of the fishing boats.  According to KCNA he “was very pleased to hear that the base keeps boats operating not by the method of repairing boats when they go wrong but by the method of always keeping a spare engine for replacing any one out of order with it in a short span of time.”  Kim Jong Un also met two factory employees and “appreciated their efforts.”  Kim Jong Un also remarked that “the supply base is a model for the whole army.”  Kim Jong Un ended his visit by presenting the fishing facility of KPA Unit #639 with a pair of binoculars, an automatic rifle and a machine gun, then posing for commemorative photos with service members and employees of the unit.

Kim Jong Un (1) tours a dock at the “supply base” of KPA Unit #639 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un (1) stands for a commemorative photograph with the officers, service members and employees of the fishing and boat repair facility subordinate to KPA Unit #639 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un (1) learns about a product during a visit to the foodstuffs factory under KPA Unit #534 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un’s next appearance was a visit to the food factory subordinate to KPA Unit #534.  He toured the historical exhibition and was briefed about the layout and production of the food factory.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “looked back with deep emotion on the immortal leadership exploits of leader Kim Jong Il, who initiated the reconstruction of the factory in order to increase the production of varieties of processed foodstuffs including essential foodstuffs for the service personnel and visited it several times when its project was at its height, giving precious instructions to it.”  He then visited the control room, the factory’s e-library and research facilities, followed by a tour of the factory’s different production sections.

He said that “to put production processes on an automatic basis at foodstuff factories is an essential requirement for ensuring hygienic safety of foodstuffs” and “gave precious instructions to keep production going at a high rate and improving their quality.”  He also remarked that “supply service means a battle for defending socialism. . .the foodstuff factories including this factory are standing at the outpost of supply service, that of the battle for defending socialism.”  KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un told factory employees “to bear in mind that they are standing alongside service personnel in the same trench for defending socialism” and ordered the factory to be reconstructed “reconstructing the factory as required by the era of Military-First politics (So’ngun)” and that he “took measures for carrying out the project with loving care.”  After touring the food factory, Kim Jong Un posed for commemorative photographs with factory employees.

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph after touring a foodstuffs factory under KPA Unit 534 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun).

Kim Jong Un Visits Liquor Factory

Kim Jong Un (1) tours the production line at Ryongmun Liquor Factory. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ryongmun Liquor Factory.  KJU’s last observed public appearance was at a recently constructed machine plant.  At the liquor factory, KJU was joined by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (chief of the KPA Artillery Command) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chan.

Kim Jong Un (1) poses for a commemorative photograph with managers and employees of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory. Also in attendance are Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (2), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (3), Col. Gen. Jon Chang Bok (4) and Col. Gen. So Hong Chang (5). (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

After arriving at the factory, Kim Jong Un was briefed about its construction and he remarked that “a modern liquor factory was built as required by the new century and the production of liquor is kept going at a high rate, adding that one more instruction of leader Kim Jong Il has been implemented.”  KJU toured the water-filtration and “after being told by officials that it uses spring water gushing out between natural rocks hundreds of meters away from the production site and the volume of spring water and its physical and chemical nature remain unchanged in all seasons, he learned in detail about the technological features of water filtering process including chlorine filter, ferromanganese filter, quartz sand filter, soft water filter and activated charcoal filter.”  He also toured the distillery and packing facility.  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “underscored the need to design trademarks better” and said, “it is important to design trademarks well as they are widely used for guaranteeing the quality of products and making ads.”  He also “underscored the need to put the packing process on a higher level of automation in order to save the manpower and cut down production cost” and “called for establishing a modern general command system to more scrupulously organize business management and operation activities.”

Kim Jong Un also visited a shop that sell the alcoholic beverages and an exhibition of the factory’s products.  According to KCNA, KJU “underscored the need to seal them more tightly and take strict measures for ensuring proper temperature and humidity so that their good quality may be preserved” and “specified tasks to be fulfilled to produce, manage and operate the factory and ways for doing so.”  After his tour of the Ryongmun Liquor Factory, Kim Jong Un posed for a commemorative photograph with the factory’s managers and employees.

KPA General Staff Says It “Will Take Powerful Practical Military Countermeasures”

Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Chief of the KPA General Staff (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Graphic of the control channels of the KPA General Staff. Some of what DPRK state media calls “strategic rocket” units reside at the corps level, but are commanded by the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command. The green line indicates dual command between the NDC and CMC (Graphic by Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

DPRK state media released a statement (tamhwa) on 4 April (Thursday) from a spokesman from the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff which said the “”the towering resentment of the DPRK’s army and people has reached an irrepressible phase as they are all out in the all-out action to defend the sovereignty and prevent a nuclear war of the U.S.” and that “no one can say a war will break out in Korea or not and whether it will break out today or tomorrow.”  The KPA General Staff also announced that it is “in charge of all operations will take powerful practical military counteractions in succession as the KPA Supreme Command had already solemnly declared internally and externally.”

According to the KCNA, the KPA General Staff’s spokesman statement said:

A touch-and-go situation is prevailing on the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. formation of B-52s based on Guam flew into the sky above South Korea all of a sudden to stage a drill under the simulated conditions of a nuclear strike at the DPRK and formations of F-22s took off from Japan proper and Okinawa and were deployed in the Osan air force base in south Korea to watch for a chance to make a surprise strike.

B-2s flew into the air over waters of the West Sea of Korea from the U.S. mainland and nuclear- powered guided missile submarines and guided missile destroyers of the U.S. Navy which had been operating in waters of the Western Pacific are busy sailing in the West and East Seas of Korea.

It was reported that super-large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its group will enter the waters off the Korean Peninsula soon after leaving waters of the Indian Ocean or the western coast of the U.S. mainland.

South Korea and waters around it are turning into places for display of various types of nuclear strike means of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces and a dangerous hotbed of a nuclear war in the true sense of the word.

The U.S. high-handed hostile policy toward the DPRK aimed to encroach upon its sovereignty and the dignity of its supreme leadership and bring down its social system is being implemented through actual military actions without hesitation.

Days and months have passed on this land amid the constant danger of war but never had the whole Korean Peninsula been exposed to such danger of a nuclear war as today.

Under this situation the towering resentment of the DPRK’s army and people has reached an irrepressible phase as they are all out in the all-out action to defend the sovereignty and prevent a nuclear war of the U.S.

In view of the prevailing situation the world people who love justice and value conscience are unanimously becoming critical of the U.S. and its followers for their disgraceful behavior of prodding the UN Security Council into adopting “resolutions on sanctions” against the DPRK and vocal expressing concern over the situation on the peninsula.

The moment of explosion is approaching fast.

No one can say a war will break out in Korea or not and whether it will break out today or tomorrow.

The responsibility for this grave situation entirely rests with the U.S. Administration and military warmongers keen to encroach upon the DPRK’s sovereignty and bring down its dignified social system with brigandish logic.

In view of this situation, the KPA General Staff in charge of all operations will take powerful practical military counteractions in succession as the KPA Supreme Command had already solemnly declared internally and externally.

We have already sent a strong message to the present puppet authorities and military of South Korea following in the footsteps of traitor Lee Myung Bak so that they may understand our position.

As a matter of fact, puppet military gangsters such as Kim Kwan Jin are human rejects not worth becoming targets of the DPRK’s revolutionary armed forces.

We formally inform the White House and Pentagon that the ever-escalating U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK and its reckless nuclear threat will be smashed by the strong will of all the united service personnel and people and cutting-edge smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear strike means of the DPRK and that the merciless operation of its revolutionary armed forces in this regard has been finally examined and ratified.

The U.S. had better ponder over the prevailing grave situation.

 

 

 

Kim Jong Un Convenes Meeting and Orders Strategic Rockets “To be on stand-by”

Kim Jong Un (seated) reviews military operations plans, prior to ordering the DPRK’s missiles and strategic rockets to be “on stand-by.” Behind him (L-R) are Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vide Chief of the KPA General Staff) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) convened a meeting and signed military operations orders at 00:30 [12:30 am] Korean Standard Time [KST] on 29 March (Friday).  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance on 28 March (Thursday) at a commemorative photo session with participants in a national meeting of Korean People’s Army [KPA] information personnel.  Attending the operations planning meeting were Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Col. Gen. Ri Yong Gil (Chief of the KPA General Staff Operations Bureau)**, Gen. Kim Yong Chol (Chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau and Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff) and Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Chief of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command).

Kim Jong Un signs military orders on 29 March 2013 (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Jong Un participates in an operational planning meeting on 29 March 2013. Briefing KJU in these images is Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (L), commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un participates in an operational planning meeting in central Pyongyang on 29 March 2013 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

KCNA reported that “not content with letting B-52 make sorties over south Korea in succession despite the repeated warnings, they made B-2A stealth strategic bomber and other strategic strike means fly from Whiteman air force base in Missouri State, the U.S. over south Korea on March 28 for the first time in history to commit such dangerous provocation as openly staging a drill for striking ground targets of the DPRK” and “fully proves that the brigandish ambition of the U.S. imperialists for aggression to stand in confrontation with the DPRK has reached an extreme phase defying the meaningful warning made by its revolutionary armed forces in the March 26 statement of the Supreme Command of the Korean People’s Army.”  Under these circumstances, DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un “convened an urgent operation meeting on the KPA Strategic Rocket Force’s performance of duty for firepower strike at the Supreme Command at 00:30 Friday.”  During the meeting, Gen. Kim Yong Chol briefed KJU “on the information about the nature of action of the nuclear strike means of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces.”  KJU was also briefed by Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom “on the technical conditions of the strategic strike means of the KPA.”  After Lt. Gen. Kim’s brief, according to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “made an important decision.”

KCNA reports:

He said he has judged the time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists in view of the prevailing situation.

If they make a reckless provocation with huge strategic forces, the KPA should mercilessly strike the U.S. mainland, their stronghold, their military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in south Korea, he said. He examined and finally ratified the plan of the Strategic Rocket Force for firepower strike.

The U.S. imperialists let B-2A make sorties over south Korea in succession, indicating once again that their hostile acts against the DPRK have entered a reckless phase, going beyond the phase of threat and blackmail, he said.

B-2A’s flight to the sky above south Korea is not a simple demonstration of forces in reaction to the tough stand of the DPRK but an ultimatum that they will ignite a nuclear war at any cost on the Korean Peninsula, he noted, underlining the need to put a definite end to the times when they could threaten and blackmail the DPRK with nukes.

He declared the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK would react to the U.S. nuclear blackmail with a merciless nuclear attack, and war of aggression with an all-out war of justice.

He finally signed the plan on technical preparations of strategic rockets of the KPA, ordering them to be standby for fire so that they may strike any time the U.S. mainland, its military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in south Korea.

He said the enemies are bringing dark clouds of a nuclear war testing the DPRK’s self-restraint, adding the DPRK can no longer tolerate this. He ordered the KPA to blow up and reduce everything to ashes at a single strike, if an order is issued.

He said the heroic service personnel of the KPA and all other people, their hearts burning with irrepressible resentment at the reckless war provocation moves of the U.S. imperialists, are now waiting for a final order of the WPK Central Committee, hardening their will to turn out in a do-or-die battle with the enemies.

The KPA will never remain a passive onlooker to the U.S. imperialists’ frantic moves for aggression but do its best to defend the destiny of the country and nation, he said.

It is the truth confirmed by history that no force on earth can hold in check the people all out for the just cause, he noted, stressing if an undesired war breaks out on this land again due to the consequences of the unpardonable action of the U.S. imperialists, it will bring them a shameful ruin and the Korean nation will greet the bright day of national reunification.

The important decision made by him under the grave situation where the Korean Peninsula has been pushed to the brink of a nuclear war by the U.S. imperialists will mark a turning point in putting an end to the history of the long-standing showdown with the U.S. and opening a new phase of history.

** Col.. Gen. Ri Yong Gil has been appointed Chief of the KPA General Staff Operation Bureau and ex aequo 1st Vice Chief of the KPA General Staff.  Previously commander of V Army Corps, Col. Gen. Ri replaces Gen. Kim Myong Guk, a member of the Party Central Military Commission and KJI confidante, who held the position twice.

KPA Supreme Command Issues Statement

DPRK citizens watch a KCTV anchorwoman read a statement of the KPA Supreme Command on a jumbotron outside Pyongyang Central Railway Station on 26 March 2013 (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that the Korean People’s Army [KPA] Supreme Command issued a statement on 26 March 2013 (Tuesday) which said that it “put on the highest alert all the field artillery units including strategic rocket units and long-range artillery units which are assigned to strike bases of the U.S. imperialist aggressor troops in the U.S. mainland and on Hawaii and Guam and other operational zone in the Pacific as well as all the enemy targets in south Korea and its vicinity.”

The message was read by a Korean Central Television [KCTV] anchorwoman, not a general-grade officer of the KPA.  According to KCNA, the English version of the statement said:

The U.S. nuclear war racket has gone beyond the danger line and entered the phase of an actual war, defying the repeated warnings from the army and people of the DPRK.

The U.S. let B-52 formation deployed in Anderson air force base on Guam fly into the sky above south Korea at around 08:00 on March 25. The formation staged a nuclear striking drill with simulated targets in the depth of the DPRK from around 11:50 and revealed it to the public.

The U.S. even let the conservative media of south Korea reveal the process of the 2010 operation against Osama bin Laden. It openly said the operational plan of “south Korea-U.S. combined forces” includes targeting the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK with the use of lethal striking means and methods of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces and the south Korean puppet army.

They blustered that the operation targeting the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK has no problem in terms of military technique, adding that they are closely monitoring all the relevant moves of the DPRK. They even made such bluff that now is the time to unfold “active north Korea policy”, “not passive one”.

The present south Korean puppet authorities tried to link the Ch’o'nan sinking case with the DPRK and shift the blame for the Yo’np’yo’ng Island shelling on to the DPRK just as traitor Lee Myung Bak did. They said they plan mounting precision missile attacks on the statues of great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in different parts of the DPRK including those in Pyongyang if “local provocation” of similar nature reoccurs.

They, unafraid of divine punishment, even said that they drafted the “list of targets” based on detailed analysis of the locations, sizes and specific features of those statues.

All these moves clearly prove that the anti-DPRK hostile acts now under way by the U.S., south Korean puppet forces and all other followers under the pretext of the DPRK’s satellite launch and the underground nuclear test have entered a reckless phase of practical implementation after going beyond the phase of threatening and blackmailing.

The gravity of the situation lies in that such reckless moves are timed to coincide with the U.S.-masterminded resolutions on sanctions against the DPRK being carried into practice intensively through conspiracy and nexus with all hues of hostile forces.

The KPA Supreme Command declares at home and abroad the final decision of the army and people of the DPRK as follows as regards the present prevailing situation:

1. We will demonstrate with the practical military action the firm will of the army and people of the DPRK to take counteraction to defend the sovereignty and dignity of the supreme leadership of the country.

There is a limit to patience.

It is the clear conclusion drawn by us that we can never tolerate the serious situation in which the sovereignty and dignity of the supreme leadership of the country are ruthlessly trampled down and the U.S. nuclear threat and blackmail are turning into a real war.

From this moment the KPA Supreme Command will put on the highest alert all the field artillery units including strategic rocket units and long-range artillery units which are assigned to strike bases of the U.S. imperialist aggressor troops in the U.S. mainland and on Hawaii and Guam and other operational zone in the Pacific as well as all the enemy targets in south Korea and its vicinity.

2. We will show the present puppet authorities of south Korea, which are dancing to the tune of their master, kowtowing to his hostile policy toward the DPRK, the strongest will of the DPRK army with physical action.

The enemies are seriously mistaken if they think they can find an opportunity for striking “basic bases” and attacking “support forces” and “commanding forces”.

They should be mindful that everything will be reduced to ashes and flames the moment the first attack is unleashed.

It is the unshakable stand of the army and people of the DPRK that they can never allow the treacherous acts, the preceding ruler committed by pushing the inter-Korean relations to a catastrophe and blocking the way for peace and prosperity for five years, to be taken over by the present south Korean chief executive.

3. We call upon progressive people of the world opposing war and loving peace to turn out as one in the struggle against the brigandish U.S. highhanded and arbitrary practices.

Injustice can never become justice though it is practiced by big countries with advantageous military muscles.

Even the resolution of the UN Security Council will become unjust one and become an international crime going against the trend of the times if it is devoid of impartiality.

Injustice is temporary one and will die in end.

But justice is like a flame that flares up forever.

The KPA Supreme Command calls upon the conscience of the world to actively join the army and people of the DPRK in defending independence and justice, not blindly following the U.S. high-handed and arbitrary practices and the UNSC’s “resolutions” bereft of impartiality.

Victory is in store for the army and people of the DPRK rising up to defend the sovereignty, and progressive people of the world loving justice and peace.