North Korea tests new combat weapons system under Kim Jong‑un
Kim said the trial, conducted by the Directorate of Missile Systems, demonstrated an "ultramodern" defensive technology while details of the weapon were not disclosed.
North Korea conducted a test of a new combat weapons system under the personal supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, who said the trial demonstrated progress in the modernization of the country's armed forces, the state news agency reported on Monday.
Kim inspected the exercise and said the test, carried out by the Directorate of Missile Systems, showcased an "ultramodern" defensive technology. The report did not specify what type of weapon system was tested.
The announcement came days after Pyongyang accused the United States of stoking tensions on the Korean Peninsula by holding a series of military exercises with South Korea.
Missile launches and international warnings
Earlier in the week North Korea fired two ballistic missiles from its east coast, a second such launch in roughly a week, according to official statements. Seoul's National Security Council condemned the launches and urged Pyongyang to halt its missile activities immediately.
South Korean authorities warned that the ballistic tests violate UN Security Council resolutions and raised concern among international observers.
Separately, a North Korean delegation led by Culture Minister Hyon Un Chol traveled to Saint Petersburg to attend the 12th International Cultural Forum. The visit follows a message Kim sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week in which he vowed to "expand and deepen" cooperation with Russia.
Photo: EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
