State media said on Thursday that Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, oversaw the testing of long-range cruise missiles, which he characterized as a successful demonstration of his military's developing nuclear strike capabilities and readiness for war, according to a report by the AP.
The tests on Wednesday brought North Korea's weapons displays this year to a record high. North Korea has peppered its testing activities with warnings to deploy nuclear weapons against South Korea and the United States if it feels its leadership is in danger.
Taking Advantage
According to analysts, Kim is taking advantage of the distraction provided by Russia's conflict in Ukraine as a way to quicken the construction of its nuclear weapons.
South Korean authorities also claimed that Kim may conduct a nuclear test in the upcoming weeks or months, heightening pressure on the US to embrace the premise that North Korea is a nuclear power that can force economic and security concessions.
The two missiles used in Wednesday's tests, according to the Korean Central News Agency, soared for over three hours, tracing oval and figure-eight patterns above its western seas and demonstrating their ability to reach targets up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away.
The testing showed that the weapon system, which has already been implemented in army units using "tactical" battlefield nuclear weapons, is accurate and effective in waging wars, according to the agency.
After the tests, Kim complimented the readiness of his nuclear fighting forces, saying they were fully ready for a real war and could subdue foes with a single hit using a variety of "mobile, precise, and powerful" weaponry, the report said.
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"Clear Warning"
Kim promised to significantly increase the operational range of his nuclear-armed forces and said that the tests serve as "another clear warning to enemies."
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea stated that it was reviewing the tests. The missiles could also be a threat to Japan, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, if North Korean claims regarding their range are accurate.
AP noted that the tests were the first known tests of North Korea's weaponry after it fired 12 ballistic missiles over two weeks until October 9 in what it claimed as simulated nuclear strikes on American and South Korean targets.
North Korea claimed that such exercises were a warning to Seoul and Washington for recently holding joint naval drills with the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan.
The country has blasted over 40 ballistic and cruise missiles on more than 20 launch occasions this year, according to AP.
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
