Pyongyang has tested long-range cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles this week, says a state media, bringing the total to six trial since the beginning of the year.
Le Monde with AFP
It is at a frenetic pace that North Korea conducts missile tests. Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced, Friday, January 28, that Pyongyang had tested, Tuesday, long-range cruise missiles that flew over the sea located east of the peninsula (Japan Sea, or East Sea according to the Korean name) and have reached “the target island located 1,800 km”.
And still according to KCNA, North Korea tested, Thursday, short-range ballistic missiles that hit a “target island (…) proving that the explosive power of conventional warhead was consistent with the design requirements” .
These launches have six the total trials made since the beginning of the year – including hypersonic missiles – by Pyongyang that suggested last week that it could resume its nuclear tests and weapons Long-range, paused from a self-imposed moratorium in 2017.
World condemnation
The Leader Kim Jong-One also visited an ammunition factory, according to KCNA. On a photo published by the press agency, we see it radiant, carrying its usual long black leather jacket with belt, surrounded by uniform officials. Kim “highly appreciated the plant that has made collective innovations and considerable progress in the production of major arms,” KCNA reported.
This series of tests prohibited by penalties has generated a global conviction and a closed session of the United Nations Security Council. The United States has also imposed new penalties in response, providing the anger of North Korea.
The period is delicate for the region: China, the only major ally of the North Korean regime, hosts the Olympic Winter Games in February and South Korea holds a presidential election in March.
Pyongyang is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of Kim’s father, the deceased Kim Jong-he, in February, then the 110 e birthday Kim Il-Sung, the founding leader of the country in April.