Seoul - North Korea's state-controlled media on Wednesday released new, undated pictures of leader Kim Jong Il for the second time in four days.

Weeks of public absences have fuelled speculation over the health of the 66-year-old leader.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited two army units and observed training. Pictures released with the report showed an apparently healthy Kim, clad in a thick parka, with a group of soldiers, but it remained unclear when the photos were taken.

Kim ordered the soldiers at one unit to strengthen the armed forces, the "invincible, revolutionary troops," the agency said. Kim also inspected training manoeuvres at a second unit, the news agency said, without providing information on the locations of the two units.

Observers in the South Korean capital, Seoul, said they believe their northern, communist neighbour is increasing attempts to show its leader is healthy and firmly holding onto the reins of government.

In September, South Korean intelligence said Kim was recovering from a stroke he had suffered in mid-August.

On Sunday, North Korean media released images of Kim watching a football match between two army teams. The date of the match remained, however, unclear. (dpa)