N. Korea's Kim oversees drill with new battle tanks; teen daughter Ju-ae
On Friday morning March 20 state media reported that Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a joint offensive exercise featuring newly introduced main-battle-tank units, while photos from the Korean Central News Agency showed his teenage daughter riding alongside him with her hands on controls.
Key Points
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1The North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter, Ju-ae, participated in a large-scale military drill together.
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2During the exercise on March 20th/1st (depending on time zone), an image emerged of her driving one of their new battle tanks while he provided guidance from above or nearby.
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3Reports specify that she is approximately 13 years old and tested what sources describe as a 'new' tank, potentially noted for its anti-drone capabilities in some reports. The event has intensified speculation among international observers regarding the possibility of her being groomed to succeed him.
Developments
North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong-un and daughter Ju-ae participated together in large-scale military drills featuring new battle tanks at Pyongyang Training Base No. 60 amid heightened regional tensions following recent missile tests by North Korea, South Korea, and the United States; intelligence services have designated her as his successor based on these high-profile activities alongside other outings involving nuclear-capable rocket launchers and firearms testing last month