North Korea conducted a test with strategic cruise missiles, marking its first weapon test since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Under the supervision of Kim Jong-un, Pyongyang carried out the test with the aim of improving its strategic measures against potential enemies, according to the state agency KCNA.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement criticizing the United States and South Korea for their recent joint maneuvers. The DPRK expressed its discontent with the provocations posed by the combined air maneuvers between Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington, as well as other exercises conducted between South Korea and the United States.
The North Korean ministry's statement warned the United States of "harder countermeasures" if it continued to reject North Korea's sovereignty and security interests. Pyongyang blamed the U.S. for creating an increasingly dangerous security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
In statements reported by KCNA, Kim Jong-un stated that Pyongyang will continue making efforts to defend peace through a stronger military muscle. The cruise missiles tested by North Korea struck their targets after traveling a distance of approximately 1500 kilometers, according to official information.
The South Korean Army confirmed the test and noted that it is analyzing its characteristics. This event comes after Trump's declaration of being willing to meet in the future with Kim Jong-un, with whom he held negotiations on denuclearization during his first term.
