Kim Jong Un orders full nuclear readiness after overseeing missile test

Reuters reported the information.

The test was designed to warn "enemies, who are seriously violating the security environment of the (country) and fostering and escalating the confrontation environment" and to demonstrate "readiness of its various nuke operation means," KCNA news agency said.

Reuters quotes the North Korean leader, stating that it is “the responsible mission and duty of the DPRK's nuclear armed forces to permanently defend the national sovereignty and security with the reliable nuclear shield by getting more thorough battle readiness of nuclear force and full preparedness for their use.”

According to KCNA reports, North Korea launched strategic cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads over the sea off the western coast of the Korean Peninsula on February 26.

"The strategic cruise missiles precisely hit the targets after making flights along a 1 587km-long oval trajectory for 7 961 and 7 973 seconds," KCNA reported.

Reuters notes that North Korea has been developing strategic cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads for several years. This type of missile does not typically provoke as much international concern or condemnation as ballistic missiles, since they are not banned under UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit North Korea from developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons and impose sanctions for violations of these restrictions.

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