North Korea says it has successfully tested a new armament, which it says will significantly enhance its political nuclear capabilities.
Prints show the country’s leader Kim Jong-un smiling and clapping as he watches the new bullet’s launch.
Experts believe this is a sign that North Korea is planning to test a compact nuclear armament soon-in other words, a political nuclear armament.
North Korea stopped nuclear testing in 2017.
In the ensuing time, it blew up coverts at its Punggye-ri nuclear testing point, in a move that was seen to be part of a political fellowship with South Korea and the US.
But recent satellite images suggest work is underway to restore the coverts.
The” new-type politic guided armament. is of great significance in drastically perfecting the horsepower of the frontline long-range ordnance units and enhancing the effectiveness in the operation of politic nukes,” the North’s sanctioned KCNA news agency reported.
It added that Mr. Kim had given” important instructions on further structure up the defense capabilities and nuclear combat forces of the country”.
Also Read: What is behind the growing militarisation of South Korea?
South Korea’s military verified that two dumdums-likely to be short- range-were launched from the North into the ocean on Saturday night.
The US said it was covering the situation.
Experts say the timing of the test could be seen as a kick against common US and South Korean service drills, which are due to take place for nine days from Monday.
North Korea has frequently denounced similar drills as a trial for war.
The timing also coincides with events celebrating the anniversary of the birth of North Korea’s author, Kim Il-sung, last Friday.
Just three weeks before the fests, North Korea tested a multinational ballistic bullet (ICBM) for the first time since 2017.
North Korea is banned from testing them and has been heavily sanctioned for doing so ahead.
It has been conducting other regular bullet tests as part of its munitions development program.
