2000km Line Target Hit... Kim Jong Un's On-Site Guidance "Full Effort for Infinite and Accelerated Strengthening of Nuclear Forces"
Military Does Not Disclose Due to UN Security Council Sanctions on North Korea Not Violated Unlike Ballistic Missiles
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] On the 12th, North Korea test-fired a long-range strategic cruise missile from its tactical nuclear operational unit. North Korea had provoked tensions by consecutively launching medium- and short-range ballistic missiles from the 25th of last month until the 9th of this month in response to the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, and it is continuing its show of force with the cruise missile launch.
On the 13th, the Korean Central News Agency reported, "State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un personally supervised the test launch on site," adding, "The two long-range strategic cruise missiles launched flew for 12,340 seconds along an elliptical and figure-eight flight path set over the West Sea of Korea, striking targets at a 2,000 km range with precision."
According to the news agency, Chairman Kim expressed satisfaction with the test launch results, stating, "We have once again demonstrated a thorough combat readiness posture capable of overwhelming enemies at once with unconditional, mobile, precise, and powerful counterattacks using any weapon system."
He continued, "The missile explosions heard today are a clear and unmistakable warning to our enemies," emphasizing, "It is a practical verification of the absolute reliability and combat capability of our nation's war deterrence power and a distinct display."
Furthermore, he said, "We must continue to expand the operational space for nuclear strategic forces to firmly suppress and completely seize the initiative in any severe military crisis or war threat that may arise at any time."
Kim Jong-un added, "The relentless strengthening of national defense power is our consistent and unchanging revolutionary policy and struggle principle that cannot be compromised or abandoned to protect the dignity, sovereignty, and right to survival of our country," and stressed, "We must concentrate all efforts on the infinite and accelerated enhancement and development of the national nuclear combat forces."
Meanwhile, South Korean military authorities did not immediately disclose North Korea's recent missile launch. Although the military detected these missiles, unlike ballistic missiles, they are not considered violations of the United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, and thus were not announced to the media.
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