North Korea test fires two nuclear-capable missiles

North Korean state media said Pyongyang has test-fired two nuclear-capable cruise missiles in what would be the latest in a series of launches that flared tensions in the Korean peninsula. This follows the previous reports of North Korea looking to send a message to the United States and South Korea through its recent launches.

North Korean state media outlet KCNA reported Thursday that leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test launch that took place on Wednesday of two long-range strategic cruise missiles. Wednesday’s launch was for “enhancing the combat efficiency and might” of the isolated nation’s cruise missiles that are deployed to the Korean People’s Army “for the operation of tactical nukes.”

Wednesday’s launch was also the latest in a series of launches by North Korea that has flared tensions in the peninsula and raised fears that Pyongyang may be gearing up for its first nuclear launch in five years. KCNA reported that the cruise missiles went 2,000 kilometers over the sea and that the missiles hit the projected targets but did not specify the kind of targets.

The latest test was also intended to send a warning to North Korea’s enemies, as Kim said the nation must “continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it.”

A spokesperson for the US Department of State did not comment on the latest launch but said Washington is focused on coordinating with allies and partners to address the threats coming from North Korea.

Earlier this week, North Korea said its recent missile launches were drills simulating attacks on military targets in South Korea and also as a response to the recent Naval drills carried out by Seoul and Washington.

KCNA showed photos of the drills, with Kim overseeing the exercises involving ballistic missiles with mock nuclear warheads. The drills were led by “tactical nuclear operations units.”

“The effectiveness and practical combat capability of our nuclear combat force were fully demonstrated as it stands completely ready to hit and destroy targets at any time from any location,” said KCNA.