Seoul: North Korea has carried out another round of ballistic missile tests involving munitions described as “cluster-type,” marking the second such exercise reported this month, according to state media on Monday.
The launches were overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was accompanied by his daughter, widely believed to be Kim Ju Ae. Images released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency showed the two observing the test from a coastal vantage point as a missile arced over the sea.
South Korea, Japan and the United States had earlier reported detecting multiple missile launches from North Korea’s eastern seaboard, raising concerns about Pyongyang’s advancing weapons capabilities.
According to KCNA, the drill involved five “Hwasong-11 Ga” surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The report claimed that the weapons successfully struck a designated island target, demonstrating what North Korea described as improved strike precision and operational readiness.
Analysts view the repeated testing of such systems as part of Pyongyang’s broader attempt to strengthen its offensive capabilities, particularly in response to joint military preparedness by Washington and Seoul. The mention of “cluster” munitions has drawn added scrutiny, given their potential to disperse multiple submunitions over a wide area.
KCNA quoted Kim as expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the exercise, calling it an important step toward bolstering the country’s strike power.
Recent intelligence assessments from South Korea have also brought attention to Kim’s daughter, suggesting she may be increasingly visible in state affairs, fueling speculation about a potential future leadership role.
The latest test is expected to heighten tensions in the region, as neighboring countries continue to monitor North Korea’s military activities closely.
