North Korea carried out a simulated tactical nuclear strike rehearsal on Saturday, September 2, involving two long-range cruise missiles. The purpose of the exercise was to "warn enemies" that the country would be prepared in the event of a nuclear war. The report came from the nation's official news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Sunday, September 3.
Intention to Boost Military Deterrence
According to Nikkei Asia, the drill was successfully carried out on Saturday, and two cruise missiles carrying dummy nuclear bombs were shot towards the West Sea of the Korean peninsula. The missiles traveled a total distance of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) while maintaining an altitude of 150 meters during their flight.
In addition, Pyongyang said it would strengthen its military deterrent against the United States and South Korea.
Meanwhile, Yonhap News from South Korea claimed that a senior official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the claim of success may be an exaggeration since "not all of them succeeded."
KCNA also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un went to the Pukjung Machine Complex, a plant that makes marine engines, as well as a munitions factory, to emphasize the significance of expanding Pyongyang's naval capabilities. However, the date of his visit was not specified.
In a statement released by the KCNA, it stated: "He [Kim Jong Un] affirmed that a future plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the WPK (Worker's Party of Korea) would set forth an important modernization of the complex and the development direction of the shipbuilding industry."
The most recent missile launch was conducted not long after the annual South Korean and American military drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, ended on Thursday, August 31. B-1B bombers participated in the air exercises that were held.
North Korea has been increasing its military deterrent against the US and South Korea. It has voiced its disapproval of an agreement reached between the two countries at last month's meeting to improve their military cooperation.
Nuclear Talks Between Russia and North Korea
Meanwhile, the US is worried about rumors of nuclear arms discussions between Russia and North Korea. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomans-Greenfield, has even termed the rumors of nuclear arms deals between the two countries "shameful."
As US intelligence claims that North Korea and Russia are actively discussing their nuclear weapons, the Biden administration voiced its concern about the ongoing armament discussions between the two countries in late August.
US officials expressed their worries after the most recent visit to North Korea by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in July.
They further said that another team of Russian officials may have followed Sergei's trip to North Korea to continue conversations concerning the suspected nuclear weapons agreements.
