North Korea tests strategic missile, Kim Jong-un personally inspects

North Korean media reported on February 28 that Pyongyang launched a strategic cruise missile this week.

The North Korean army's missile unit conducted a drill off the country's west coast on February 26, supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the drill was aimed at "confirming to the enemy the DPRK army's counterattack capability, the combat readiness of various means for nuclear operations, and demonstrating the reliability of Pyongyang's nuclear deterrence capability."

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a missile launch on February 26.

During the missile launch inspection, Mr. Kim Jong-un emphasized the goal of permanently protecting the country's sovereignty and security with a "reliable nuclear shield", and suggested that North Korea should make efforts to "make more comprehensive preparations for the nuclear force's combat readiness".

KCNA reported that the missile launched in the test hit its target after flying more than 1,500 km in an oval trajectory, without mentioning the type of missile used. On the morning of February 28, the South Korean military had not confirmed the North Korean missile launch.

This is the first time Pyongyang has tested a cruise missile since January 25. At that time, North Korea tested what it called a sea-launched strategic guided cruise missile, marking the first missile launch since US President Donald Trump took office.

On February 8, Kim Jong-un accused the United States of being behind international disputes, while mentioning a series of new plans to strengthen all deterrence measures and reaffirming North Korea's policy of further developing its nuclear force.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trieu-tien-thu-ten-lua-chien-luoc-ong-kim-jong-un-truc-tiep-thi-sat-185250228074842602.htm