Fewer NK Fighters

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea is executing its regular military drills but with one key difference this year that has caught the eye of South Korean intelligence. It seems that far fewer North Korean fighter jets are taking part. Let’s find out more.

[Pkg]

North Korea kicked off its winter military drills in early December. In the annual exercise, operation of ground equipment such as tanks appears to be taking place at a level similar to past years. However, South Korea's intelligence authorities say that drills to mobilize the North Korean Air Force's fighter planes have been scaled back considerably. A government source says that there is nearly no movement of air combat resources except for a few transport planes. The source said this is apparently due to a shortage of aircraft fuel. Pundits believe this is likely due to the UN Security Council resolution adopted last March banning exports of military aircraft fuel to North Korea.

[Soundbite] Moon Seong-muk(Korea Research Institute for National Strategy) : "It's been almost a year since the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2270. The effects of its sanctions on Pyongyang appear to be gradually emerging."

South Korea's military is tightening patrols on the belief that the North could engage in provocations to protest global sanctions.