North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine on Sunday, the Korean Central News Agency reported, as military exercises between the United States and South Korea approached.
The term strategic is often used to describe nuclear weapons. KCNA said the launch tested the offensive operations of the submarine units that form part of North Korea’s nuclear deterrence.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was on high alert and that the South Korean intelligence agency was working with its American counterpart to analyze the details of the launch..
On Monday, South Korean and US forces are scheduled to start joint 11-day exercises under the title Freedom Shield 23.“.
The Korean Central News Agency said the 8.24 Yeonjong-class submarine fired the two missiles in waters off the east coast of Korea in the early hours of Sunday morning..
The agency added that the two missiles traveled about 1,500 kilometers before hitting a target in the sea.
