North Korea's recent failed navy destroyer launch has prompted the arrest of several shipyard officials, reflecting ongoing internal accountability measures as the regime strives to maintain Kim Jong-un's military ambitions amidst public embarrassment.
North Korea Detains Officials Following Failed Naval Launch That Frustrated Kim Jong-un
North Korea Detains Officials Following Failed Naval Launch That Frustrated Kim Jong-un
Three shipyard officials, including the chief engineer, face arrest as North Korea investigates a failed destroyer launch that occurred under Kim Jong-un's watch.
North Korea has arrested three officials from a shipyard following a disastrous navy destroyer launch that took place last week, according to state media reports from Sunday. Among those detained is the chief engineer at the Chongjin shipyard, which is situated in the country’s northeastern region. The arrests also include the head of the hull-construction workshop and a deputy manager overseeing administrative affairs.
The failed launch unfolded while Kim Jong-un observed the event, intended to showcase North Korea's advancements in naval combat capabilities. During the attempted launch of the newly constructed 5,000-ton vessel, the destroyer lost its balance as engineers attempted to maneuver it sideways into the water. Satellite imagery showed the vessel tipped over, its stern submerged while the bow remained stuck on the launch ramp, apparently obscured by tarpaulins intended to deter reconnaissance from foreign satellites.
State media reported that Kim referred to the failure as a “criminal act” and vowed to impose severe repercussions, underscoring the regime's strict adherence to discipline in military affairs. The incident follows a more successful destroyer launch earlier in April at a port in Nampo, where the vessel was appropriately set afloat by flooding a dry dock, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two events.
The failed launch unfolded while Kim Jong-un observed the event, intended to showcase North Korea's advancements in naval combat capabilities. During the attempted launch of the newly constructed 5,000-ton vessel, the destroyer lost its balance as engineers attempted to maneuver it sideways into the water. Satellite imagery showed the vessel tipped over, its stern submerged while the bow remained stuck on the launch ramp, apparently obscured by tarpaulins intended to deter reconnaissance from foreign satellites.
State media reported that Kim referred to the failure as a “criminal act” and vowed to impose severe repercussions, underscoring the regime's strict adherence to discipline in military affairs. The incident follows a more successful destroyer launch earlier in April at a port in Nampo, where the vessel was appropriately set afloat by flooding a dry dock, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two events.
