North Korea Conducts ‘Tactical Nuclear Attack’ Simulation Drill in Warning to US (Watch)
North Korea conducted a simulated “tactical nuclear attack” drill, using two long-range missiles with mock atomic warheads to demonstrate readiness for nuclear warfare. This move, reported by KCNA news agency on September 3, aimed to warn potential adversaries and reaffirm North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its military deterrence against South Korea and the United States.
The cruise missiles, equipped with mock nuclear warheads, were launched towards the West Sea off the Korean Peninsula, covering a distance of 1,500 kilometers at a preset altitude of 150 meters, according to KCNA.
In a separate report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Pukjung Machine Complex, a marine engine production facility, and a major munitions factory, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Pyongyang’s naval forces. Kim discussed plans for modernizing the complex and the shipbuilding industry’s development at a future meeting of the Central Committee of the Worker’s Party of Korea.
Kim also visited a training command post, where he outlined future war strategies, including the concept of conducting simultaneous, highly intense strikes on key military positions in the South.
These missile launches and military activities followed a series of tests and exercises by North Korea in recent weeks, including a failed spy satellite launch. They were partly in response to the joint annual military exercises between South Korea and the United States known as Ulchi Freedom Shield.
North Korea criticized these exercises as rehearsals for war and protested against the deployment of US strategic bombers by firing two ballistic missiles. However, South Korean officials expressed skepticism about North Korea’s claims of a successful nuclear strike mission, suggesting that not all aspects of the operation were successful.