North Korea has reportedly tested a new type of weapons system that it claims will boost the efficiency of its tactical nuclear weapons.
The official Korean Central News Agency also revealed that leader Kim Jong-Un observed what it called the weapon’s successful launch. A photo was released showing a beaming Kim clapping his hands alongside military officers.
The 'new-type tactical guided weapon ... is of great significance in drastically improving the firepower of the frontline long-range artillery units and enhancing the efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes', the official Korean Central News Agency claimed on Sunday morning, although it did not specify when the test took place. The test was reported to have been successful.
KCNA also added that Jong-Un had given 'important instructions on further building up the defence capabilities and nuclear combat forces of the country'.
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Experts believe that this is a sign that North Korea will once again resume nuclear testing soon, after previously stepping back from its nuclear programme in 2017.
South Korean intelligence confirmed that two missiles – likely to be short-range – were launched from the North into the sea on Saturday night.
The US has announced that it is monitoring the situation.
It is thought that the timing of the tests could be seen as a protest against joint US and South Korean military drills, which are due to take place for nine days from Monday.
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North Korea has repeatedly condemned such drills as rehearsals for war.
In addition, this week also marked the birthday of North Korea’s founding leader, Kim’s grandfather Kim Il-Sung, which was celebrated in Pyongyang with a huge public procession, fireworks and synchronised dancing – but no military parade as was widely predicted.
Analysts and South Korean and US officials also had thought a nuclear test was possible on the important anniversary, which comes three weeks after North Korea staged its largest intercontinental ballistic missile test ever – the first time Kim’s most powerful weapon had been fired at full range since 2017.
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In terms of what North Korea might be looking to accomplish with such tests, Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told ABC News: “North Korea is trying to deploy not only long-range nuclear missiles aimed at American cities but also tactical nuclear weapons to threaten Seoul and U.S. bases in Asia.
“Pyongyang’s purposes likely exceed deterrence and regime survival. Like Russia employs the fear it could use tactical nukes, North Korea may want such weapons for political coercion, battlefield escalation and limiting the willingness of other countries to intervene in a conflict,” he said.
Kim may still hold a military parade on the 25 April founding anniversary of North Korea’s army. But if that anniversary goes without a military parade again, some experts say that might mean Kim doesn’t have new powerful missiles to display and that his next provocative step will likely be a nuclear test.
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