North Korea has reportedly arrested several senior engineers following the unsuccessful launch of a new warship, state media announced on Sunday.
The incident involving the 5,000-tonne warship occurred in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un, severely impacting the nation’s image. Kim has pledged severe punishment for those deemed responsible.
Experts suggest that the mishap likely unfolded before a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, intensifying the public humiliation for Kim, who had been attempting to showcase military might.
As the investigation into the matter escalated, law enforcement authorities apprehended the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard, among others, the state KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.
Satellite imagery reveals the warship, covered in blue tarpaulins, lying on its side with its stern extending into the harbor, while its bow remains on the side slipway, according to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Kim has ordered the ship to be fully restored before a ruling party meeting scheduled for June. KCNA stated that the rehabilitation plan is actively moving forward.
In a separate dispatch, KCNA quoted the policy chief at the defense ministry, asserting that North Korea’s armed forces “will thoroughly contain and control all sorts of military threats from the enemy countries,” countering the US military buildup in the region.
