North Korea tests multiple rocket launchers

North Korea tests long-range multiple rocket launchers and tactical guided weapons, a day after firing a short range weapon off east coast.

President Donald Trump says Kim Jong-un “knows I’m with him” while the US military investigates North Korea’s weapons launch. Picture: AP

North Korea has tested long-range multiple rocket launchers and tactical guided weapons in a “strike drill” overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, state media said.

The Korean Central News Agency said the drill took place Saturday, when North Korea also fired projectiles into the sea in what could be Pyongyang’s first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

“The purpose of the drill was to estimate and inspect the operating ability and the accuracy of striking duty performance of large-caliber long-range multiple rocket launchers and tactical guided weapons by defence units in the frontline area and on the eastern front,” KCNA said.

It said the drill took place in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, as with the projectiles.

The projectile weaponry was under review by the South Korean and U.S. military, said the South’s Defence Ministry, which didn’t provide more details.

President Trump was briefed on the launch by his national security adviser John Bolton, a senior administration official said.

Initial reports don’t immediately suggest the projectiles were ballistic or long-range missiles. That is a key distinction because North Korea has instituted a self-imposed moratorium on testing ballistic or long-range missiles, a development that Washington sees as a sign that diplomacy has proven beneficial. North Korea hasn’t test-fired a ballistic missile since November 2017.

Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong Un fully realizes the great economic potential of North Korea, & will do nothing to interfere or end it. He also knows that I am with him & does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 4, 2019

AFP