(Seoul) North Korea tested long-range cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles this week, state media said Friday, in a series of record launches since the start of year.
Posted at 8:17 p.m.
North Korea conducted a long-range cruise missile system update test and a conventional warhead power confirmation test for a surface-to-surface tactical missile this week, the SAR said. official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to KCNA, Pyongyang on Tuesday tested long-range cruise missiles that flew over the sea to the east of the peninsula (Sea of Japan, or East Sea as it is known in Korea) and reached “the target island located 1800 km away”.
On Thursday, North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles that struck a “target island”, the agency detailed, “proving that the explosive power of the conventional warhead met design requirements”.
Pyongyang has carried out a sixth test launch since the start of the year, including hypersonic missiles, and hinted last week that it may resume nuclear and long-range weapons testing — since paused a self-imposed moratorium in 2017.
Leader Kim Jong-un also visited an ammunition factory, according to KCNA.
In a photo published by the news agency, we see him beaming, wearing his usual long black leather jacket with a belt, surrounded by officials in uniform.
Kim “highly appreciated the factory which has achieved collective innovation and great progress in the production of major weapons,” KCNA reported.
This series of sanctions-banned tests prompted global condemnation and a closed meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The United States also imposed new sanctions in response, angering North Korea.
The period is delicate for the region: China, the only major ally of the North Korean regime, is hosting the Winter Olympics in February and South Korea is holding a presidential election in March.
Pyongyang prepares to celebrate 80and anniversary of the birth of Kim’s father, the late leader Kim Jong-il, in February, then the 110and birthday of Kim Il-sung, the country’s founding leader, in April.