North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened a meeting with army commanders on Sunday and ordered reinforcement of front-line units along the southern border. State media reported the move as part of Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to boost combat readiness.
Kim stressed that advancement of military technology at key units, particularly front-line forces, plays a critical role in effective deterrence of war. He urged the military to heighten awareness against North Korea's "arch" enemy and maintain the policy of turning the southern border into an "impregnable fortress."
The leader described remodeling the military organizational structure and strengthening first-line units as an "important decision to more thoroughly deter war." He also announced reforms to the training system with greater focus on practical drills suited to "modern warfare."
The meeting follows an order earlier this month to deploy a new self-propelled howitzer along the southern border by the end of the year. Kim later held a photo session with senior commanders including Ri Yong-gil, chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army, and Pak Jong-chon, adviser to the defense ministry.
