North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has reportedly made an inspection tour of an army transportation unit.

The North’s official news agency, KCNA, said Saturday that Kim was accompanied by three generals on his tour to the People’s Army Transportation Unit No. 12-66, but didn’t say when the trip took place.

On Tuesday, the KCNA also reported on the reclusive North Korean leader’s trip to another Army unit.

The KCNA reports on Kim’s visits to army units follow foreign news reports that the North started removing Kim’s portraits from public buildings. The speculation was further fueled by a report from Tokyo that North Korean media dropped the title of “Dear Leader” when referring to Kim Jong-il in recent reports.

The reports prompted speculation that there might be some changes in the political fortunes of the North Korean leader.

In a news conference Friday, however, the North’s Foreign Ministry denied rumors about Kim’s portraits being taken down.