North Korean authorities have detained four officials over the recent failed launch of a naval destroyer, an incident that leader Kim Jong Un said was caused by criminal negligence, state media said. It’s rare for North Korea to publicly impose severe punishments against officials over botched weapons tests or military displays. The weekend arrests of the four officials signal how serious Kim is about his military build-up plan and bolstering discipline at home. The 5,000-ton-class destroyer was damaged Wednesday in the presence of Kim when a transport cradle on the ship’s stern detached early during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin. Satellite imagery on the site showed the vessel lying on its side and draped in blue covers, with parts of the ship submerged. The incident infuriated Kim as the warship — the country’s second known destroyer — is key to his naval forces modernization plan. Kim quickly blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for what he called a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” The official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that law enforcement authorities detained Ri Hyong Son, vice director of the munitions industry department at the ruling Workers Party’s Central Committee, who said it was “greatly responsible” for the failed launch.

Full story : North Korea Arrests 4 Officials Over Failed Ship Launch That Angered Kim Jong-un.