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NEW DELHI: South Korea‘s military is actively engaged in “decapitation drills” aimed at the potential assassination of North Korea‘s leader, Kim Jong Un. This revelation, a rare admission from Seoul‘s leaders, comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik of South Korea confirmed during an MBN television interview that these drills are considered an option.He said, “While it is difficult to openly discuss decapitation, the ROK-US special operation forces are… conducting training.” The training focuses on aerial maneuvers, raids on key facilities, and indoor mop-up operations. US forces have also participated in these drills.
The primary target of these drills is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The exercises, conducted in collaboration with US Army Special Forces, were held earlier in December, as confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the New York post reported quoting NK News.
The concept of a “decapitation unit” to eliminate North Korean leaders was last openly discussed in 2017 by former South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo. The unit would involve helicopters and planes designed to infiltrate North Korea and carry out assassinations.
While North Korea is open about its weapons of mass destruction, South Korea does not maintain a nuclear stockpile. Officials believe that keeping Kim Jong Un in fear for his life is one of Seoul’s best options for deterrence.
The renewed discussion of the decapitation unit follows North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, believed to be a response to a meeting between US and South Korean leaders. President Biden has warned that any North Korean attack on South Korea would result in the end of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has instructed his military commanders to prepare for the possibility of using their most formidable capabilities to obliterate the United States and South Korea in the event of a military conflict, as reported by state media on Monday.
Kim emphasized the increasing likelihood of an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula, attributing it to aggressive actions by adversaries, including the United States. He stressed the need for North Korea to “sharpen the treasured sword” in defense of its sovereignty.
Kim’s directive was clear: “If the enemy opt for military confrontation … our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment’s hesitation,” as quoted by the KCNA news agency.
These remarks were made during a gathering of senior military officials at the ruling Workers’ Party (WPK) headquarters on Sunday, where Kim praised their achievements in 2023, as reported by the state news agency.
In 2023, North Korea conducted tests of its most powerful ballistic missiles to date and launched its inaugural military reconnaissance satellite. Kim has lauded these developments as significant strides in the modernization of the nation’s military capabilities.
This call for heightened military preparedness follows the commitments made at the end of a five-day WPK meeting.
(With inputs from agencies)
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik of South Korea confirmed during an MBN television interview that these drills are considered an option.He said, “While it is difficult to openly discuss decapitation, the ROK-US special operation forces are… conducting training.” The training focuses on aerial maneuvers, raids on key facilities, and indoor mop-up operations. US forces have also participated in these drills.
The primary target of these drills is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The exercises, conducted in collaboration with US Army Special Forces, were held earlier in December, as confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the New York post reported quoting NK News.
The concept of a “decapitation unit” to eliminate North Korean leaders was last openly discussed in 2017 by former South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo. The unit would involve helicopters and planes designed to infiltrate North Korea and carry out assassinations.
While North Korea is open about its weapons of mass destruction, South Korea does not maintain a nuclear stockpile. Officials believe that keeping Kim Jong Un in fear for his life is one of Seoul’s best options for deterrence.
The renewed discussion of the decapitation unit follows North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, believed to be a response to a meeting between US and South Korean leaders. President Biden has warned that any North Korean attack on South Korea would result in the end of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has instructed his military commanders to prepare for the possibility of using their most formidable capabilities to obliterate the United States and South Korea in the event of a military conflict, as reported by state media on Monday.
Kim emphasized the increasing likelihood of an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula, attributing it to aggressive actions by adversaries, including the United States. He stressed the need for North Korea to “sharpen the treasured sword” in defense of its sovereignty.
Kim’s directive was clear: “If the enemy opt for military confrontation … our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment’s hesitation,” as quoted by the KCNA news agency.
These remarks were made during a gathering of senior military officials at the ruling Workers’ Party (WPK) headquarters on Sunday, where Kim praised their achievements in 2023, as reported by the state news agency.
In 2023, North Korea conducted tests of its most powerful ballistic missiles to date and launched its inaugural military reconnaissance satellite. Kim has lauded these developments as significant strides in the modernization of the nation’s military capabilities.
This call for heightened military preparedness follows the commitments made at the end of a five-day WPK meeting.
(With inputs from agencies)
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