North Korea conducts hypersonic missile launch drills
Photo: Among those observing the drills was the daughter of the North Korean leader (Getty Images)
North Korea conducted a test of a medium-range missile under the supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This, in turn, underscores Kim's intention to further strengthen the country's nuclear capabilities, Bloomberg and Reuters report.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the missile was launched at dawn on Saturday toward waters off North Korea's east coast. The missile flew northeast and struck its intended target, which was located approximately 1,000 km from the launch site.
Yonhap reports that Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, apparently also observed the exercises. North Korean media released photos showing Kim and his daughter watching the launch. They also had a monitor displaying the missile's flight path.
According to the report, Kim Jong Un says that the DPRK must repeatedly demonstrate to its enemies the "reliability and lethality" of its strategic offensive weapons. He describes such exercises as part of efforts to further strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent and said that this policy would remain unchanged.
For their part, South Korean military officials have stepped up surveillance and combat readiness and stated that they are analyzing the missile in coordination with US authorities. The President's National Security Council also held an emergency meeting on Saturday and called on Pyongyang to halt the launches, which Seoul claims violate UN Security Council resolutions.
Reuters reports that this launch was the latest in a series of North Korean weapons tests this year and occurred amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula following a landmine explosion in the demilitarized zone last month that injured South Korean soldiers.
North Korea growing stronger and may change leaders
Recently, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian President's Office, stated that North Korea was using lessons from Russia's war against Ukraine to improve its own weapons and military. At the same time, the country is increasing its military cooperation with Russia.
According to South Korean intelligence, Kim Jong Un is obese and smokes heavily. This issue is under close scrutiny by the international community, as his death would raise questions about the succession of power.
