North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced three top officials in charge of his personal security, South Korea said Tuesday, suggesting the leader may fear assassination attempts.
– Three state agencies handling Kim’s security had new bosses. The reshuffle was spotted during a military parade in October.
– The changes at the Bodyguard Command, which handles security measures against drone or electronic attacks, could be linked to Kim’s decision to send troops to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
– He could have judged there could be an assassination attempt against him involving Ukrainians amid heightened international spotlight due to the deployment.
– The United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this month has also likely heightened security fears in Pyongyang.
– The operation represents a nightmare scenario for North Korea’s leadership, which has long feared a “decapitation strike” and accused Washington of seeking to remove it from power.
– Kim upgraded security levels around him due to risks of attempts on his life. Kim’s office sought equipment capable of jamming communications and drone detection gear in response.