Newly released satellite photos have unveiled the details of a shipyard accident in North Korea that affected a warship during Kim Jong Un's presence. The situation is under review, with officials facing scrutiny.
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to North Korean Warship Amid Controversy
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to North Korean Warship Amid Controversy
Recent satellite imagery highlights a significant naval incident, prompting an official investigation in North Korea.
New satellite images have shed light on a significant accident at a North Korean shipyard, revealing the damage sustained by a new warship while leader Kim Jong Un was in attendance. The visuals show the vessel tilted to one side, shielded by large blue tarpaulins, with part of it appearing to be situated on dry land.
An investigation into the mishap, which Kim has labeled a "criminal act," is reportedly underway as of Friday, according to state media. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries linked to the incident, which occurred in the eastern port city of Chongjin.
The official news agency, KCNA, attempted to downplay the severity of the incident, asserting that the damage was "not serious" and clarifying against earlier reports that indicated holes in the ship's hull. KCNA stated that the only damage was scratches on the starboard side, with some seawater intrusion noted at the stern.
Authorities have reportedly summoned the shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho, for questioning regarding the event. Recovery efforts are projected to take about ten days to restore the warship’s damaged side.
In his comments following the accident, Kim criticized the incident as a result of "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," warning that those responsible for "irresponsible errors" would face consequences during a plenary meeting scheduled for next month.
North Korea has a history of poor human rights practices, raising concerns about potential repercussions for those involved in this incident. Public acknowledgment of local accidents is relatively rare in the nation, although there have been a few exceptions in the past. This accident follows the recent introduction of a comparable 5,000-ton destroyer named the Choe Hyon, which Kim has hailed as a significant development in enhancing North Korea's naval capabilities, intended for deployment in the coming year.
