Kim Jong Un recently showcased a "new sniper rifle" during a visit to a military base in North Korea. The North Korean leader, who is 41 years old, personally test-fired the weapon while observing special forces training. State media reported that this rifle was developed with domestic technology and will be distributed to special forces units.
During his visit, Kim expressed satisfaction with the rifle’s performance and power. He was seen pointing at a target with a hole in the center, although it remains unclear if it was from a shot he fired. The training demonstration featured heavily camouflaged troops engaging in various combat scenarios, including martial arts displays and breaking bricks.
This event comes in the wake of joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, which North Korea has criticized. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, recently threatened the U.S. in response to these military activities, suggesting that North Korea may increase its weapons testing and maintain a confrontational stance.
Kim emphasized that strengthening special forces is a crucial part of North Korea’s military strategy. He outlined several major tasks aimed at enhancing the army’s capabilities. Analysts suggest that North Korea could gain battlefield experience by providing weapons and troops, although there are reports of significant losses among its military personnel.
In recent developments, there have been claims that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to support its efforts in Ukraine. While both Moscow and Pyongyang initially denied these reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin later acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, indicating a potential shift in military cooperation between the two nations.