North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapon system on Friday in response to a protest against this week's joint military drills by South Korea, the US, and Japan.
An unnamed spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defense claimed that the joint maritime exercises of the three countries that occurred on Jeju Island had become a cause of further destabilization of the regional situation and a serious threat to the security of North Korea.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea tested its 'Haeil 5-23' system, which has been under development in the waters of the East Sea as a countermeasure to the serious threat.
On Wednesday, the three countries' navies conducted their three-day regular drills alongside the US aircraft Carl Vinson to improve their counter to Pyongyang's increasing nuclear and missile threats.
"Various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military maneuvers of the navies of the US and its allies," the North Korean Ministry Spokesman said.
US and South Korean agencies observed previous atmospheric explosion tests through a North Korean state television broadcast. However, the reported underwater weapon has not been independently confirmed.
The new drone system, 'Haeil,' which translates to 'tsunami,' was first tested in March 2023. The KCNA said that its goal was to launch surprise attacks in enemy waters and destroy naval strike groups and major operational ports by producing a large radioactive wave through an underwater explosion.
The latest reported underwater test came days after North Korea launched a new intermediate-range and solid-fuel hypersonic missile. Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo condemned the attack as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, the three allies' nuclear envoys gathered in Seoul on Thursday to denounce Pyongyang's arms trade with Russia and increasingly hostile rhetoric. North Korea's foreign minister traveled to Moscow and had talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Read Also : Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević Dies at 46 After Medical Emergency
North Korea Tests First Ballistic Missile
On Sunday, North Korea launched its first intermediate-range ballistic missile of 2024, targeting US bases in Asia amid a pledge by leader Kim Jong Un to boost the country's nuclear-strike capabilities.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that the missile was fired from an area near Pyongyang toward waters off the east coast and traveled about 1,000 kilometers. The JCS said the country's military has been collaborating with its US and Japanese counterparts.
According to Bloomberg, Kim can strengthen propaganda claims that the country's arsenal is making great strides in being able to attack the US by testing a ballistic missile.
On December 18, North Korea's last successful test was when it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that was intended to target the US mainland.
