North Korea fires strategic cruise missiles (PHOTOS)

The test reportedly saw the projectiles travel 1,500km and was the first since US President Donald Trump took office

North Korea has successfully launched several sea-based long-range strategic cruise missiles, the state-run KCNA agency reported on Sunday. The test comes amid long-standing tensions in the region and days after US President Donald Trump assumed office.

According to the news agency, Saturday’s launch involved an unspecified number of projectiles hitting targets 1,500km away. It added that the test, observed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and other senior officials, was “aimed at improving the effectiveness of the strategic deterrence against the potential enemies.”

The launch “had no negative impact on the security of the neighboring countries,” the report stated.

South Korea’s military confirmed the missile launches, noting that multiple cruise missiles were fired from an inland area toward the Yellow Sea, according to Yonhap News. It added that the test is being analyzed by South Korean and US intelligence officials.

The launch came as North Korea’s Foreign Ministry accused the US and South Korea of escalating tensions on the peninsula through their joint military drills, while criticizing Washington for “ceaseless expansion of the military alliance system.”

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The ministry claimed that the situation requires Pyongyang to “counter the US with the toughest counteraction from A to Z” as long as it refuses to take into account North Korean security interests and sovereignty.

The development marks North Korea’s first missile test since Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The US president previously pledged to reach out to Kim. During his first term, Trump met with the North Korean leader several times and made history in 2019 by becoming the first US president to visit North Korea. However, the historic overture failed to produce concrete agreements on denuclearization.

North Korea has frequently tested its missile systems in recent months, often in response to US-South Korea drills which Pyongyang regards as a rehearsal for a potential invasion. Washington and Seoul insist that the exercises are defensive in nature and seek to boost regional security.