SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong has overseen the test launch of a strategic cruise missile and ordered full preparations to use its nuclear attack capabilities.
The test was designed to demonstrate “a enemy that seriously violates the (country) security environment and escalates by nurturing conflict environments,” KCNA News Agency said.
“What is guaranteed by a powerful strike ability is the most complete deterrent and defensive ability,” Kcna said, cited.
“The responsible mission and duties of the DPRK nuclear forces is to forever defend the sovereignty and security of the nation with a reliable nuclear shield by obtaining thorough and thorough preparation of the nuclear forces for combat and full preparation for its use.”
DPRK stands for the official Northern Democratic Republic of Korea.
The missile launch was on Wednesday off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean military said on Friday it detected signs of missile launch preparations on Wednesday and tracked several cruise missiles after being released at 8am (6pm Tuesday).
North Korea has been pursuing the development of strategic cruise missiles for years, aimed at supplying nuclear warheads.
Missile types are not formally banned by UN Security Council resolutions, and therefore tend to bring more alarms and condemnation from the international community than ballistic missiles.
The Security Council banned the North from the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, and imposed numerous sanctions for violations.
Reports of missile tests took place the same week that Kim visited military schools in succession and brought back the importance of ideological and tactical training for young military officers.
Kim maintained harsh rhetoric against the US and South Korea, despite comments that President Donald Trump would reach out to him, although none of the countries mentioned warning their enemies by name.
Trump and Kim held an unprecedented summit meeting during their first term as the US president.
