North Korea said Friday it conducted a strategic cruise missile test earlier this week, which was overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, to demonstrate “the reliability of the state nuclear deterrence,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
The test held in the Yellow Sea off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday morning was also meant to “inform the enemies, who are seriously violating the security environment” of Pyongyang’s “counterattack capability in any space” and “various nuke operation means,” KCNA said.
Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2025, shows North Korea’s strategic cruise missile test conducted off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. (KCNA/Kyodo)
At least two strategic cruise missiles precisely hit their targets after flying 1,587 kilometers for more than two hours, according to the news agency.
Kim expressed satisfaction over the test results and stressed it is the duty of the North Korean nuclear armed forces to “permanently defend the national sovereignty and security with the reliable nuclear shield by getting more thorough battle readiness of nuclear force and full preparedness for their use,” the report said.
Wednesday marked six years since the collapse of nuclear talks in Hanoi between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, during his first term.
Trump, who returned to the White House in January, has said he intends to reengage with Kim, suggesting his desire to rekindle diplomacy with North Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a strategic cruise missile test held in the Yellow Sea off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula on Feb. 26, 2025. (KCNA/Kyodo)
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