Kim Jong-un Fires North Korea's Highest General, Replaced By General Who Was Removed In 2016

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un while chairing a high-ranking military meeting. (Source: KCNA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced the top military general, calling for more preparations for possible war, increased arms production and military exercise expansion, according to state media KCNA Thursday.

Kim made the comments at a meeting of the Central Military Commission discussing countermeasures to deter North Korean enemies, the report said.

The country's highest general, Chief of General Staff Pak Su-il has been "dismissed," KCNA reported, without further explaining the reasons for the removal of the general who had only served for seven months.

General Pak was replaced by General Ri Yong-gil who served as Minister of Defense and supreme commander of conventional forces.

General Ri also previously served as head of the army staff. When he was replaced in 2016, his dismissal and absence from official events sparked reports in South Korea that he had been executed. He reappeared several months later, when he was appointed to another senior position.

On the occasion, Leader Kim also set a target for expanding arms production capacity, the report said, without providing details.

Last week, Leader Kim visited a gun factory where he asked for more missiles, artillery and other weapons to be built.

Photographs released by KCNA show Leader Kim pointing towards Seoul and areas around the South Korean capital on a map.

In addition, Leader Kim also called on the military to conduct exercises with the latest weapons and equipment to keep its troops ready for combat, the report said.

North Korea will hold a militia parade on September 9, marking the 75th anniversary of the Republic's Establishment Day. North Korea has a number of paramilitary groups used to strengthen its military force.