North Korea: North Korea has declared that it carried out a practice drill involving two long-range missiles fitted with imitation atomic warheads, simulating a “tactical nuclear attack.”
According to a report by the KCNA news agency, North Korea conducted the drill on September 2 as a warning to potential adversaries, indicating its readiness for nuclear conflict. The country also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening military deterrence against South Korea and the United States.
The report stated that the two cruise missiles, carrying simulated nuclear warheads, were launched towards the West Sea off the peninsula. They traveled a distance of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) at a predetermined altitude of 150 meters.
North Korea has been conducting a series of missile tests and military drills in recent weeks, including an unsuccessful attempt to launch a spy satellite at the end of last month. These latest launches are part of this ongoing activity.
These missile launches occurred shortly after the conclusion of the joint annual summertime exercises known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, which involved South Korea and the US. The exercises lasted for 11 days and included air drills with B-1B bombers.
North Korea, which has consistently criticized the exercises as practice for potential conflict, expressed its objection to the presence of US strategic bombers by launching two ballistic missiles.
The South Korean Yonhap news agency reported that officials expressed doubt on September 3, 2023, regarding North Korea’s assertions of a successful nuclear strike mission.
Mr. Kim visited a training command post and outlined future war plans, which involved launching “simultaneous super-intense strikes” on critical military positions in South Korea.
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