North Korea test-fires missile for first time since Trump took office

(CLO) North Korea has just test-fired a series of strategic cruise missiles, marking the first weapons test since Donald Trump returned to the White House, according to information from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

On January 25, the General Rocket Department of North Korea successfully conducted a test launch of a strategic guided cruise missile. KCNA said the test was aimed at improving defense capabilities in response to changes in the regional situation. However, the specific location and time were not disclosed.

A hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile is launched in North Korea. Photo: KCNA

According to KCNA, the missiles flew 1,500 km in a figure-8 trajectory, lasting more than 7,500 seconds (equivalent to 2 hours and 5 minutes) before hitting their targets. Pyongyang asserted that the test did not affect the security of neighboring countries.

Earlier, the South Korean military detected many cruise missiles launched by North Korea from the mainland into the western sea at around 4:00 p.m. (local time).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test and declared that "the war deterrence of the Korean People's Army is getting more and more perfect." He also affirmed that North Korea will continue to build up its military power to protect regional peace and stability.

The missile launch took place shortly after Donald Trump was re-elected as US President. In an interview with Fox News on January 23, Trump affirmed that he would contact Kim Jong Un, and expressed his sympathy for the North Korean leader: "He's a smart guy. He likes me and I get along with him."

During his previous term (2017-2021), Mr. Trump had three summits with Mr. Kim Jong-un in 2018-2019, even becoming the first sitting US president to set foot on North Korean territory. After leaving the White House, he repeatedly emphasized his good personal relationship with the North Korean leader.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said today that the country will take "the strongest counter-reaction" if the United States continues to ignore Pyongyang's interests and sovereignty.

North Korea also criticized recent joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, saying they were increasing tensions and destabilizing the Korean peninsula.

Cao Phong (according to Yonhap, KCNA, FOX)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trieu-tien-lan-dau-phong-thu-ten-lua-ke-tu-khi-ong-trump-nham-chuc-post332057.html