by & nbspoman al yahyai & nbspwith & nbspAP
It’s published
North Korea rebooted its damaged 2nd Navy destroyer just three weeks after it capsized during a failed launch.
State media said the warships had been repaired and launched at a ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong-un.
The South Korean Central Press (KCNA) reported on Friday that Kim oversaw the launch, boarded the ship, and said that he “cannot block anything” North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its naval combat capabilities amid “US-led hostility.”
The announcement is consistent with satellite images and evaluations from external observers, but experts remain suspicious about the ship’s condition.
It’s a lot to see whether critical systems like engines and electronics can function properly after being submerged for almost two weeks.
The asylum on the 21st reportedly angered Kim, who denounced “criminal negligence” and ordered staff to complete repairs later this month prior to a party meeting of ruling workers.
State media later confirmed that four officials were detained for the failed release.
On Thursday, KCNA cited Kim saying the two destroyers would make a significant contribution to strengthening naval operations.
He said the North would respond to external threats with “overwhelming military action” and provide “the deepest pacific dol opinion” to the families of shipyard workers who died during repairs.
Satellite images previously showed that the destroyer had been partially submerged at Chongjin Port. Last week, North Korean media said the ship had been corrected and moved to Razin near the Russian border for further work.
Analysts say the repair timeline raises questions. “Given the time they need to raise the ship, they probably wouldn’t have taken them two weeks to carry out the actual repair work,” said Yang UK, an analyst at the Asan Policy Institute in Seoul.
“Was it time enough to completely correct everything and put the vessel in operational capacity? I think it’s very unlikely,” he added.
South Korean expert Lee Il-woo said critical systems such as engine compartments and missile launchers could have been damaged by salt water. He suggested that the move to Razin would indicate possible Russian support for repairs.
Kcna said the ship is in the same class as North Korea’s first destroyer, which was launched in April. Both are considered to be 4,500 metric tunnel ships, and are considered the most advanced warships in the North to date. Kim announced plans to build two additional destroyers next year.
The report shows that South Korea’s new liberal government has suspended frontline propaganda broadcasting under President Lee Jae Myung. This is a step aimed at alleviating tensions with the North.
Pyongyang has not officially responded.
