(Adnkronos) – North Korea has arrested a fourth official in connection with the failed launch last Thursday of a new warship that angered the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. This is Ri Hyong-son, deputy director of the Munitions Industry Department of the ruling Workers’ Party, considered “largely responsible for the serious incident,” state news agency Kcna reported. The 5,000-ton destroyer suddenly tilted on its side at a shipyard and damaged the hull, in what Kim described as a “criminal act” that “severely damaged the country’s dignity and pride.” The ship is now under repair under the guidance of a group of experts, Kcna added.
Ri, a member of the party’s Central Military Commission, is the highest-ranking official arrested so far for the incident. The commission commands the Korean People’s Army and is responsible for developing and implementing North Korea’s military policies. Over the weekend, Pyongyang also arrested three officials at the Chongjin shipyard, where the destroyer was built.
It is unclear what punishment those deemed responsible might face, but the regime is known to sentence officials guilty of wrongdoing to forced labor and even death. It is rare for North Korea to publicize local incidents, although it has done so a few times in the past after failed satellite launches. Some analysts believe Kim’s swift and harsh response was intended to send a signal that Pyongyang will continue to improve its military capabilities.
