Radio Free Asia (RFA) has reported that Pyongyang has begun nationwide military exercises to tighten its grip and to prevent confusion following the postponement of the delegates’ conference of the Workers’ Party.

RFA quoted a source in North Korea saying that the drills began on Wednesday and included its special forces. In some drills, special forces disguised as the enemy infiltrated North Korea, while other drills focused on evacuation and blackouts.

RFA says the inconsistent signals coming from the North, such as proposing working-level military talks on one hand while holding large-scale military exercises on the other, indicate internal political confusion and tension caused by the postponement of the delegates’ conference.