Kim Jong Un’s bodyguards held rifles at the ready to protect him from special operations forces armed with live weapons at drills last week, in the latest example of increasing personal security for the North Korean leader.

NK News analysis of Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) photos published last Friday show a line of Kim’s bodyguards standing over soldiers during rifle shooting exercises, suggesting security was increased due to the potential for a rogue agent to make an attempt on Kim’s life.

The display in state media appears to indicate Kim is growing more concerned about internal discontent or even