A file pictures shows cruise missiles displayed at a military parade in Pyongyang on April 15. [Yonhap News Photo]
North Korea has successfully test-fired its new cruise missiles capable of making a precise attack on enemy warships in an operation supervised by leader Kim Jong-un, Pyongyang's official news agency reported on Friday.
It marked the first test of a new surface-to-ship cruise missile displayed on April 15 at a military parade marking the birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, the North's late founding leader, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"This new-type cruise rocket is a powerful attack means capable of striking any enemy group of battleships attempting at a military attack on (North Korea) from the ground at will," KCNA said, a day after South Korea condemned the launch of several cruise missiles from a base near the northeastern port of Wonsan.
Military authorities in Seoul said the North Korean missiles flew some 200 kilometers (124 miles) at a maximum altitude of two km, accusing Pyongyang of showing off its capability to fire various types of missiles and launch a precision strike at a US aircraft carrier strike group.
North Korea has tested-fired a series of new missiles one-by-one since they were shown to the world at the April 15 parade in Pyongyang, raising concerns about its push for the development of strategic weapons ranging from submarine-launched missiles to long-range ballistic missiles.
The cruise missiles launched on Thursday "accurately detected and hit the floating targets" in the sea after making circular flights, KCNA said, adding new mobile launchers were also tested.
North Korea test-fired a new medium-range ballistic missile called "Pukguksong-2" on May 21. Eight days later, a suspected Scud missile flew about 450 kilometers (279 miles) before landing in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in warned that Pyongyang would only see further isolation and international sanctions from its missile provocations. He has urged Pyongyang to create a favorable environment for cross-border dialogue by ceasing provocations. In response, Pyongyang has vowed to push ahead with its missile development, scoffing at international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajuenws.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
