North Korea’s Kim Jung Un Removes Top General, Strengthening War Preparations

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the military’s top general with a call for more preparations. He also gave call for enhancing weapons production, and expansion of military drills, said state media KCNA on Thursday.

General Ri Yong Gil will replace the North Korean military’s top general, chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il, KCNA reported.

Kim also set a target for the expansion of weapons production capacity. A week back he visited weapons factories where he called for more missile engines, artillery and other weapons to be built.

North Korea is set to stage a militia parade on Sept. 9, marking the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic.

The U.S. and South Korea are to hold military drills between Aug. 21 and 24, which the North sees as a threat to its security.