North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes a missile launch in this undated photo from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday supervised the latest test launch of Hwasong-11 Ra surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missiles to assess the weapon’s warhead capability, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
KCNA reported Monday that North Korea fired five tactical ballistic missiles, striking a target area of roughly 31 to 32 acres with “very high density” near an island about 85 miles away.
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said it detected several ballistic missiles launched around 6:10 a.m. over the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, from Sinpo, North Korea, according to a message to reporters Sunday.
South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are analyzing the details of the launch, the ministry said.
“Our military is closely monitoring North Korea’s military movements under a firm combined defense posture and maintains the capabilities and readiness to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations,” the ministry said.
The test was designed to evaluate the performance and power of cluster bomb and fragmentation mine warheads fitted to the weapons system, according to KCNA.
Kim hailed the development of cluster bomb warheads as a significant accomplishment that enhances the military’s high-density and high-precision striking capabilities, the report said.
It quoted Kim as saying the testing results “clearly” proved the country’s investment into missile warhead development over the past five years was “not in vain” and urged his defense science research groups to continue pursuing cutting-edge technologies to strengthen combat readiness.
South Korea condemned the testing as a “clear violation” of the U.N. Security Council resolution and urged North Korea to “immediately halt its successive missile launches that heighten tension on the Korean Peninsula” and actively participate in government peace settlement efforts.
U.S. Forces Korea said the command is aware of the recent missile launches and is consulting closely with allies and partners.
“Based on current assessments, these events do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies,” spokeswoman Choi Min-jung said in an email Monday.
North Korea previously tested a Hwasong-11Ka surface-to-surface missile tipped with a cluster bomb warhead during a series of weapon tests between April 6 and 8.
