International media reported this week, citing American intelligence sources, that Kim Jong Un has reshuffled his top military leadership and appointed new officials to three key military positions: the Minister of People’s Armed Forces, Chief of General Staff, and Chief of the Main Political Department.

One of the new appointments has been confirmed by the North Korean state media: Kim Su Gil was reported in his new position by state media late last month. The other two, however, remain unconfirmed.

But analysis of the situation suggests that the dismissal of the three top military