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Missile launch: This photo released by North Korea purports to show the launch of a cruise missile on Friday
Photo: KCNA / REUTERS
According to the state news agency KNCA, North Korea has now confirmed the latest launch of cruise missiles. Friday's missile launch was the fourth launch ordered by the Pyongyang regime within a week.
In the region, relations between South Korea and North Korea are currently very tense. The North Korean state agency said the new launch was unrelated: “These tests are part of the normal activities of the General Directorate and its subordinate Defense Development Agency to further develop the technology of new weapon systems in various aspects such as function, performance and operation. They have nothing to do with the regional situation,” said the KCNA.
The South Korean military had already reported the launch of the cruise missile on Friday. Accordingly, the rockets were launched from the west coast at around 11 a.m. local time. South Korea did not provide further details. North Korea said in recent days that it was testing strategic guided missiles, suggesting the missiles could be designed to potentially carry nuclear warheads.
Several international sanctions were imposed on largely isolated North Korea because of its missile and nuclear programs. Nevertheless, the country has tested a whole range of weapons in just the past few months. The leadership in Pyongyang justifies this with accusations against South Korea and the USA, which, in their view, are escalating tensions with large-scale maneuvers.
fdi/Reuters