North Korea launches long-range cruise missiles that can carry tactical nuclear weapons
- State media said leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test firing of the missiles that travelled 2,000km
- It added the launch was aimed at ‘enhancing the combat efficiency and might’ of cruise missiles deployed to the army ‘for the operation of tactical nukes’
The test-fire was conducted on Wednesday, and was aimed at “enhancing the combat efficiency and might” of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People’s Army “for the operation of tactical nukes,” state media Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
Stressing that the test-fire was another clear warning to its “enemies,” Kim said the country “should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it,” according to KCNA.
On Monday, KCNA said Kim had guided nuclear tactical exercises targeting Seoul over the past two weeks in protest over recent joint naval drills by South Korean and US forces involving an aircraft carrier.
KCNA reported that the two missiles test-fired on Wednesday flew for 10,234 seconds to “clearly hit the target 2,000km away.”
A US State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the launches, and said Washington remained focused on coordinating closely with its allies and partners to address the threats posed by North Korea.