By Salma El-Sakka
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a massive new warship under construction at the Nampho Shipyard on Monday, state media KCNA reported, calling for modernization of shipyards to build a powerful navy.
Vessel described as 'incomparably huge'
The vessel, believed to be a new cruiser, is described by KCNA as "incomparably huge" compared to a destroyer built last year. Analysis by the Korea Defense and Security Forum suggests it is a 10,000-ton cruiser, the first published image of such a vessel under construction.
Visit amid rising tensions
The shipyard visit comes amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. A landmine blast on September 21 injured three South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone. North Korea denied involvement. On October 27, North Korea positioned a 15-mile howitzer pointing south.
Recent missile tests and border incidents
Recent incidents include the death of a South Korean sergeant near the border on Monday, cause unknown. On Wednesday, North Korea launched multiple missiles off its east coast, the sixth missile test in October and November. KCNA reported a strategic cruise missile test with a dispersal warhead on November 2.
