First, the South Korean military had reported a new missile test of North Korea – now came the confirmation from Pyongyang: The state news agency KCNA spoke of a successful exercise for a long-range attack.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a long-range attack exercise, according to KCNA state news agency. “At the command post, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un (…) gave instructions to start the exercise,” KCNA reported.

The exercise was “successful,” the State Agency reported. It was designed to test “the ability to respond quickly to defense units”. The units had proven their “power” in the test.

KCNA did not specify what kind of weapons were fired. In the message, words like rocket, bullet or projectile were avoided.

South Korea’s general staff said on Thursday that North Korea had fired two rockets that appeared to be short-range missiles. The rockets had been shot down from the North Korean base Kusong in the western province of Pyongan to the east.
Second test within a week
It was the second weapon test within a week. North Korea had already provoked a renewed weapons test at the weekend. Also under Kim’s supervision, KCNA tested long-range multiple rocket launchers and tactical missiles on Saturday.