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North Korea detains officials over naval destroyer that embarrassed Kim Jong Un

North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, inspects the military exercises at an undisclosed place in North Korea, Tuesday, May 13, 2025
North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, inspects the military exercises at an undisclosed place in North Korea, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (KCNA via KNS)
  • North Korean authorities detained three shipyard officials after a naval destroyer launch failed in front of Kim Jong Un.
  • The 5,000-ton-class destroyer was damaged when a transport cradle detached prematurely during the ceremony.
  • Kim Jong Un attributed the failure to "criminal negligence" and ordered an investigation.
  • Satellite images show the ship lying on its side, partially submerged, and covered.
  • North Korea claims the damage is minor and repairable within 10 days, but outside observers are skeptical.
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