North Korea Stages “Simulated Tactical Nuclear Attack” Drill Amid Escalating Tensions

North Korea staged a “simulated tactical nuclear attack” drill over the weekend, attaching mock atomic warheads to two long-range cruise missiles that were test-fired into the ocean, as reported by state-controlled media on Sunday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the operation on an early Saturday morning as a “counteraction drill” in response to joint military activity by US and South Korean forces, which KCNA claimed had escalated tensions in the region.

Simulated Tactical Nuclear Attack

“A firing drill for a simulated tactical nuclear attack was conducted at dawn on September 2 to warn the enemies of the actual nuclear war danger,” reported KCNA. “Two long-range strategic cruise missiles tipped with mock nuclear warheads were fired from North Korea’s west coast into the sea to the south.”

Missile Launch Evaluation

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed on Saturday that an unspecified number of cruise missiles were launched at around 4:00 am (1900 GMT) towards the Yellow Sea. They also mentioned that the specifications of the missiles were being evaluated at the time of the report.

Accusations of Confrontation Hysteria

KCNA accused the United States and South Korea of pursuing “confrontation hysteria” with their latest joint military drills. This comes as North Korea has conducted a record number of weapons tests throughout the year, including a recent failed attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit. In response, Seoul and Washington have increased their defense cooperation, staging joint military exercises featuring advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets.

Kim Jong Un’s War Plans

On Tuesday, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, visited a training command post where he detailed future war plans. These plans include “making simultaneous super-intense strikes” at core military posts in the South. Relations between the two Koreas are currently at their lowest point in years, with diplomatic efforts stalled after several unsuccessful attempts to discuss Pyongyang’s denuclearization.

(This story has not been edited by Smartkhabrinews staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)