Kim Jong Un Fires Top General, Urges Increased Arms Production and War Preparations
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has replaced his military's top general, Chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il, and called for increased weapons production and military drills. The country's state media reported that Kim discussed plans for countermeasures to deter North Korea's enemies at a meeting of the Central Military Commission. The replacement general, Ri Yong Gil, previously served as the defense minister and army chief of staff. Kim also set a target for expanding the country's weapons production capacity. The call for increased arms production comes amid suspicions that North Korea is providing weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, which both countries deny.