A North Korean warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer, was damaged in a significant accident during its launch ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un. This incident, reported by the state media on Thursday, marks a rare acknowledgment of failure from the secretive country. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the destroyer slid off its flatcar due to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness” during the launch, resulting in damage to parts of the ship’s bottom.
The launch occurred at the northeastern port of Chongjin and represents a setback for Kim, who has emphasized the importance of advanced destroyers in strengthening North Korea’s military capabilities. In his response to the mishap, Kim labeled the incident a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness” that “could not be tolerated.” He criticized the officials responsible, asserting that their actions had compromised the state’s dignity and self-respect. Furthermore, Kim instructed that the damaged ship be restored before the Central Committee’s plenary meeting scheduled for next month.
The report from North Korea did not mention any casualties related to the accident, leaving some details about the incident unclear. This event underscores the challenges faced by the North Korean military amid its ambitions for modernization and increased defense capabilities.
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