Kim oversees new missile test from destroyer

Seoul, Apr 14 (EFE).- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a new missile test launched from the Choe Hyon destroyer, just a month after a similar test in March and following several other tests last week.

«Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were test-fired from destroyer Choe Hyon,» the state news agency KCNA reported Tuesday, adding that the launches took place on Sunday.

The missiles flew along their predetermined flight paths over the Sea of Japan and hit their targets with «ultra-precise» accuracy, the agency said.

KCNA again described the missiles as «strategic,» suggesting they could be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The report also said that Kim reiterated that «steadliy and unlimitedly» bolstering its nuclear war deterrent is the central priority of national defense.

The report does not specify the exact launch site, nor do the images released by KCNA reveal it.

Last month, Kim oversaw another cruise missile test from the Cho Hyon during joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington.

This latest test also comes after Pyongyang acknowledged conducting several missile tests last week, including one with a ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead.

North Korea launched the 5,000-ton destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon last year. The regime has reported that two more are under construction, while Kim has called for one of them to be launched before the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which is celebrated in October.

The tests in recent days come after Pyongyang downplayed Seoul’s recent optimism regarding Kim’s praise of President Lee Jae-myung, following his expressions of regret over incursions by South Korean civilian drones into North Korea. EFE

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