Huge support for Kim Jong-un

THOUSANDS of North Koreans gathered in a mass rally yesterday expressing support for leader Kim Jong-un after his threats to create a “new strategic weapon” over anger at stalled nuclear talks with the US.

Crowds gathered on the streets and the bridge near Kim Il Sung square amid a heavy police presence in Pyongyang.

During the rally the local cellphone network is understood to have been switched off, and a number of senior party figures are said to have attended.

It is not absolutely clear what the rally is for, but suggestions are that it was a political rally to express support for Kim Jong-un’s comments last week where he expressed frustration over the stalled nuclear talks.

He warned of unspecified “shocking” action.

He also said his country would soon reveal a new “strategic weapon” to the world as its bolstered its nuclear deterrent in the face of “gangster-like” US pressure.

Kim has used the diplomatic stalemate to expand his military capabilities by intensifying tests of shorter-range weapons.

His arsenal is now estimated to include 40-50 nuclear bombs and various delivery systems, including solid-fuel missiles designed to beat missile-defence systems, and developmental ICBMs potentially capable of reaching the US mainland. Kim has also strengthened his negotiating position, moving the diplomacy closer to an arms reduction negotiation between nuclear states.