2017 Photo of North Korean Army Drill Shared in Relation to Iran's Readiness to Attack Israel

Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading.

A thorough reverse image search revealed the photo making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Outdated Photo of the North Korean Army Military Exercises

Contrary to the circulating claim, the photo in question does not show Iran's military readiness against Israel. Instead, it was captured in April 2017 and featured in a CNN article covering North Korean army exercises. 

The caption of the photo specifies that it depicts live fire drills held in Wonsan, North Korea, to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Korean People's Army founding, as reported by North Korean state media.

Photographer Rodong Sinmun shot the photo for the North Korean government on Tuesday, April 25.

The same photo was also uploaded to a German website discussing the same North Korean military exercises in April 2017.

According to the CNN, North Korea has conducted its most extensive military exercise yet to commemorate the founding of its army, amid escalating tensions with Western nations.

The South Korean military stated that the live-fire drills occurred in the Wonsan region on Tuesday afternoon, but specifics regarding the types of weapons and military units involved were not disclosed.

Later, a North Korean government official, who was briefed on the event, informed CNN that it marked the country's largest military drill, featuring 300 artillery guns.

Reportedly, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally ordered the commencement of the demonstration. State news agency KCNA detailed that the event involved large-caliber self-propelled guns positioned along the coast, which unleashed their firepower.

Israel's Airstrike on Iran’s Consulate in Syria

Israel conducted an airstrike on Monday that destroyed Iran's consulate in Syria, leading to the deaths of two Iranian generals and five officers, as confirmed by Iranian officials. This action is viewed as a significant escalation in Israel's targeting of military figures associated with Iran.

Among the casualties in the Syrian airstrike were General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who previously commanded the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, as well as his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, along with five other officers, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Recent tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have heightened concerns about a potential large-scale conflict. Hezbollah offered condolences to Iran for Zahedi's death, condemning Israel and asserting that targeting leaders will not deter resistance. Hezbollah vowed retaliation against Israel, pledging that the killings would not go unanswered.

A U.S. official informed CNN that the United States is bracing itself for a notable Iranian assault on either U.S. or Israeli assets in the region, potentially occurring as early as next week.

Tehran Vowed to Respond to the Israeli Attack

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's military, declared on Saturday that the Damascus strike "will not go unanswered," as reported by Iran's semi-official news outlet, Tasnim. 

His statement echoes similar commitments made by Iran's supreme leader and its president. 

Since October 7, amidst Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip, Israel has conducted numerous strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria. However, the targeting of the embassy itself signifies a notable escalation in tensions.

Read More

This Photo Does Not Show the Aftermath of Iranian Attack on U.S. Military Ship

Outdated Image Shared As Israelis In The Bomb Shelters Fearing Iranian Strikes