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Int'l Business Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Trump Departs Saudi Arabia After GCC Summit, Historic Syria Meeting, And Gaza Talks
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his trip to Qatar for the second leg of his three-stop Gulf tour. This meeting follows his surprise announcement during a keynote speech in Riyadh that the United States would lift all sanctions on Syria. The move aligns with al-Sharaa's priorities as the war-torn country attempts to rebuild after decades of repression under former leader Bashar al-Assad. On Tuesday, Trump was received with pageantry in Saudi Arabia at the start of his four-day Gulf tour. His visit was marked by the signing of a $142 billion defense sales agreement — part of a broader Saudi commitment to invest $600 billion in the United States. Speaking at the GCC summit, Trump emphasized the potential for regional stability, provided that aggression from what he called "a small group of very bad actors" is curbed. He criticized former President Joe Biden for "empowering Iran and its proxies" and accused him of neglecting key Gulf allies. "Those days are over. Everyone at this table knows where my loyalties are," Trump said, adding a pledge to "confront the aggression that threatens us all." Trump said he remained open to negotiating with Iran, but only if Tehran "stops sponsoring terror, halts its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably ceases its pursuit of nuclear weapons." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised the strong relationship between the Gulf states and the United States, saying he hoped it would reach "even higher levels." He expressed optimism about working with Washington on regional conflicts. On Gaza, the crown prince said he looks forward to collaborating with the U.S. to "end" the war and pursue "a comprehensive, lasting solution" for the Palestinian people. He also cited ongoing crises in Yemen and Sudan, calling for diplomatic resolutions to both conflicts. Originally published on HNGN
Int'l Business Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Kim Jong Un Inspects North Korea's Munitions Factories, Touts Explosive Growth In Shell Output
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has praised a sharp rise in artillery shell production, calling it a key driver of the country's growing military strength. His comments came during a recent inspection of munitions factories, state media reported Wednesday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited major munitions enterprises under the Second Economy Commission, where he assessed both shell manufacturing processes and the broader state of the machine-building industry. KCNA reported that Kim expressed "great satisfaction" with the modernization of the facilities and noted a substantial increase in output. The agency said shell production capacity had grown fourfold compared to the average annual level, and nearly doubled the volume seen during the industry's previous peak year. Kim was quoted as saying he hoped the factories "would produce more shells to contribute to the expansion of the combat power of our armed forces," stressing that the enhanced artillery force boosts the army's combat efficiency and perfects its combat preparations. "This remarkable growth of productivity ... takes on a very important meaning in realizing the (governing) party's strategy for the development of national defense," Kim added. Kim also inspected a machine factory, where he laid out goals for long-term industrial modernization. He emphasized the facility should become a model hub for advancing the country's machine-building sector. He described this transformation as "a decisive guarantee" for raising North Korea's defense capabilities to a "world-class level." Kim called on the factory to prioritize the development and production of "more intelligent, high-speed, precision and multifunctional machine-building equipment," citing the importance of boosting both the munitions industry and the broader national economy. Kim's renewed focus on artillery shell output comes amid reports that North Korea has transferred large quantities of military equipment, including millions of shells, to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Originally published on HNGN
Int'l Business Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
North Korea Reportedly Sent M1991 Rocket Launchers To Russia For Ukraine War
A Ukrainian journalist has released what appears to be a footage of a North Korean M1991 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) deployed inside Russia. The video, published on the Telegram channel of defense reporter Yuriy Butusov, shows Russian servicemen installing anti-drone shielding on the M1991 rocket launcher inside a hangar. While the location has not been officially confirmed, previous intelligence reports suggest such systems have been transferred from North Korea to western Russia earlier this year. However, HNGN cannot independently verify the video. The M1991 is North Korea's counterpart to Russia's BM-27 Uragan. It's a self-propelled system armed with 22 barrels capable of firing 240mm unguided rockets carrying 90-kilogram (198-pound) warheads. With an effective range of up to 40 miles, the launcher poses a significant threat on the battlefield. In January, multiple sightings were reported of North Korean MLRS units being discreetly moved into Russia, camouflaged as civilian vehicles in the Kursk region. However, this new video is believed to be the first direct visual confirmation of such equipment on Russian territory. Neither the Armed Forces of Ukraine nor the Russian military have issued official statements regarding the video's authenticity or implications. The deployment comes in the wake of a landmark defense agreement signed between Russia and North Korea in June, which commits both countries to mutual military support in the event of external attacks. The pact also includes a pledge to resist Western sanctions on financial systems, goods, and military cooperation. As part of this alliance, North Korea has reportedly sent around 14,000 military personnel to support Russia's efforts in the war against Ukraine. To date, about 1,100 North Korean soldiers have been reported killed or wounded in combat. However, there has been no official confirmation. In return, Moscow is allegedly helping Pyongyang with drone technology, co-developing various models of reconnaissance and loitering munitions—commonly referred to as "suicide drones"—for battlefield use. Originally published on HNGN
