Breaking News: In the presidency of Kim Jong-un, North Korea nods to test-fired long-range missiles on Saturday and Sunday. According to the country’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the cruise missiles allegedly hit a target 1,500 kilometres away.
The report published on Monday says the country’s Academy of Defense Science successfully test-fired the missiles over the weekend. The weapon was in the development phase of over two years. The weapon is said to be a significant strategic weapon to “North Korea’s Defense Plans.” Several top North Korean leaders and scientists were reported to attend the launches.
“Cruise Missiles are often detected right after the tests are conducted, due to their low flight altitudes. North Korea has previously conducted two cruise missile tests, but we don’t disclose all the tests performed,” a top South Korean Defense Ministry official stated.
North Korea launches the missiles just ahead of its neighbour–South Korea’s top nuclear envoy heads to Japan to meet & discuss North Korea with the US and Japanese officials. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also reported to visit South Korea for the diplomatic talks on Monday and Tuesday.
The United States and neighbouring South Korea are investigating the launch claims, top officials from both countries told. The US military’s Indo-pacific Commander said, “we are aware of the reports of Cruise Missile Launches in North Korea,” and the US is working with its allies and partners.
What Type of Missile Does North Korea Fire and Why is the World Concerned About it?
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the Japanese Government was “Really Concerned” and was in talks with the United States and South Korea to look into the situation and get the updates. North Korea’s recent missiles are said to join its existing collection.
- Hwasong-12
- Hwasong-14
- Hwasong-15
- Ballistic Missile
- Nodong
- Musudan
- KN-14
- Submarine-launched Ballistic Missile
The US military said the missile test-fire indicates North Korea’s continuing focus on strengthening its military programme and the threat it possesses to its neighbours and the global community.
In August, the UN Atomic Agency had stated that the country may start a reactor project which was earlier projected to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons, calling it an “Alarming Threat” to the international community.
