According to the state news agency KCNA, North Korea’s latest series of missile tests simulated the bombardment of the south with tactical nuclear weapons. Ruler Kim Jong Un is said to have personally supervised the exercises. “The effectiveness and practical combat capability of our nuclear combat troops has been fully demonstrated as they are ready to hit and destroy targets anytime, anywhere,” KCNA reported Monday.
The missiles used fake warheads to send a strong message of war deterrence. The various tests simulated the shelling of military command facilities, the attack on key ports and the neutralization of airports in the south.
Dictator: “Nothing to talk about”
The exercises, overseen by Kim Jong Un, are an “inevitable response” to the mobilization of US and South Korean naval forces, the KCNA report said. “While the enemy continues to talk about dialogue and negotiation, we have nothing to talk about and we don’t feel the need,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
North Korea could plan first nuclear test since 2017
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles early Sunday, making it the seventh launch since Sept. 25. North Korea is currently preparing to launch a ballistic submarine missile and an ICBM, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry. Experts also expect North Korea to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 in the coming weeks.
UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from testing ballistic missiles of any range, which, depending on the design, can also carry a nuclear warhead. This year alone, the North Korean military has fired more than 40 ballistic missiles.
A UN Security Council common position on North Korean missile launches is not yet in sight. At an emergency meeting in New York on Wednesday, a proposal for a joint statement from China was blocked ahead of the meeting. Chinese Vice Ambassador Geng Shuang blamed the US for North Korea’s behavior. In the past, Washington has not responded adequately to the country’s denuclearization measures. China is considered North Korea’s most important partner.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
