N. Korea Kim Jong Un observes artillery drills on partisan anniversary

April 26 (Asia Today) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a mortar firing competition and visited frontline troops to mark the anniversary of the country's anti-Japanese partisan forces, state media reported Sunday.

According to Korean Central News Agency, Kim visited a combined unit under a mechanized infantry division in the western region on Saturday to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army, often referred to in North Korea as anti-Japanese partisans.

During the visit, Kim paid tribute at a monument dedicated to Kim Il Sung and toured a revolutionary history hall. He emphasized the importance of maintaining ideological discipline among troops, describing it as a decisive factor in ensuring military strength and victory.

"Ideological preparedness is the key weapon of an invincible army," Kim was quoted as saying, urging soldiers to strengthen political loyalty and combat readiness in line with the ruling party's military strategy.

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Kim also watched a mortar firing competition involving light infantry units, where troops were evaluated on their ability to deploy, strike targets within a time limit and reposition under simulated combat conditions. State media said the exercise assessed operational capability and readiness across units.

He expressed satisfaction with the results and instructed the military to focus training on achieving combat effectiveness capable of "completely destroying the enemy," according to the report. A unit under the 11th Corps reportedly won first place in the competition.

Senior military officials accompanying Kim included Defense Minister No Kwang-chol and Chief of the General Staff Ri Yong-gil.

Separately, other senior party and government officials visited revolutionary sites, including the Korean Revolution Museum and a cemetery honoring anti-Japanese fighters.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260427010008230