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North Korea conducted a test launch of its new cruise missiles for the second time in a week on Sunday, state media said, as the country continues to accelerate its navy's nuclear armament.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea's dictator supervised the launch of the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile Kim Jong Un.
The agency said both missiles flew over the sea on the country's east coast for more than two hours – 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds – before hitting an unspecified island target.
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Kim reportedly said the test was a success, “which is of strategic importance for the implementation of the army modernization plan aimed at building a powerful army.” [naval] Violence,” KCNA said.
NORTH KOREA ATTEMPTS FIRST FLIGHT TEST OF A NEW NUCLEAR-CAPABLE CRUISE MISSILE
In this image released by the Korean Central News Agency on January 28, 2024, you can see what appears to be a submarine-launched cruise missile test at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (KCNA via Portal)
South Korean military officials confirmed that North Korea had fired several cruise missiles off its coast, but no further details were disclosed.
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On Thursday, North Korea conducted the first test flight of the cruise missiles, which KCNA said posed no threat to its neighbors. The outlet also said the missile could ultimately carry nuclear weapons.
Tensions in the region have risen in recent months as Kim continues to accelerate his weapons development and makes provocative threats against the United States and its Asian allies. In response, the United States, South Korea and Japan continued joint military exercises, which Kim condemned.
North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles into sea after destroying peace symbol, South Korea says
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In this image released by the Korean Central News Agency on January 28, 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joins military officials in a submarine-launched cruise missile test at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (KCNA via Portal)
In recent months, North Korea has tested several types of weapons, including ballistic missile systems under development and an underwater drone.
KCNA said Kim inspected the construction of a nuclear submarine and discussed concerns about producing other types of warships, although the agency did not provide further details.
The country's first operational nuclear submarine was launched last year. Some said it appeared to be a modified submarine designed to carry cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
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US spy flight reported near North Korean border after claims of underwater nuclear drone
In this image released by the Korean Central News Agency on January 28, 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un participates in a submarine-launched cruise missile test at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (KCNA via Portal)
U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of providing Russia with artillery shells, missiles and other aid for its war in Ukraine. In return, North Korea receives urgently needed economic aid and military technology.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have officially denied that North Korea sent weapons to Russia. US and Ukrainian intelligence agencies have said that Russia is using North Korean weapons in Ukraine.
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Kim met with Russian President Putin at a Russian space launch center in September and the two plan to meet again.
Lawrence Richard of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.