Iran Press/ Asia: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-launch of a strategic cruise missile from a naval vessel, the country’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Monday, just as South Korea and the US are set to begin annual military exercises.
During an inspection visit of a navy flotilla on the eastern coast, Kim boarded a patrol boat to review its weapons and preparations for combat. He later watched its seamen conducting a drill of launching “strategic” cruise missiles, the official Korean Central News Agency said.
The North’s report on missile tests came three days after the leaders of the US, South Korea and Japan agreed to expand their security and economic ties at a summit in the United States.
Meanwhile, South Korea's intelligence service recently claimed in a report to the country's parliament that North Korea is preparing for a new round of weapons tests such as long-range missiles and spy satellite launches.
North Korea has repeatedly announced that Pyongyang will increase its military power to defend its territory, if the United States and its allies in the region do not stop destructive and tension-inducing actions against the country. 219
