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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Friday it has tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone in response. a joint naval exercise This week South Korea, the United States and Japan are blaming their rivals for escalating tensions in the region.
Drones reportedly designed to destroy naval ships and ports were tested days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced He is ending his country’s long-term goal of peaceful reunification with South Korea and his country will rewrite its constitution to designate South Korea as its most hostile foreign rival.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have reached their highest point in years as Kim ramps up his weapons testing and threatens nuclear conflict. The United States and its Asian allies have responded by strengthening their joint military exercises, which Kim says is a rehearsal for the invasion.
underwater droneNorth Korea said it first tested it last year, one of a wide range of weapons systems it has displayed in recent years as Kim has expanded his arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons. South Korea’s military says North Korea has exaggerated the capabilities of the drone.
North Korea’s military said it conducted the test in the country’s eastern waters in response to naval drills involving the US, South Korea and Japan, which ended in waters south of Jeju Island on Wednesday. It was not said when the test took place.
North Korea’s Defense Ministry said in a statement, “Our military’s underwater nuclear-based countermeasures are being further strengthened and its various maritime and underwater countermeasures actions will be taken against hostile military operations by the navies of the United States and its allies.” “Will continue to prevent maneuvers.”
It said, “We strongly condemn the US and its followers for their reckless acts of seriously endangering (North Korea’s) security since the beginning of the year and remind them of the devastating consequences they will face.” Give a strong warning.”
In this photo provided by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, left, joins destroyers from South Korea and Japan in international waters off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula during a recent joint exercise in 2024. Left together. (South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff) via AP
South Korea’s Defense Ministry described North Korea’s recent tests as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a threat to “peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world.” A statement said the US and South Korean militaries are maintaining a strong defense posture against potential North Korean provocations.
North Korea has in recent months tested a variety of missile systems designed to target the United States and its Asian allies, and has announced a growing nuclear doctrine that calls for military action if North Korea’s leadership is threatened. Authorizes the U.S. to conduct preemptive nuclear strikes.
North Korea on Sunday conducted its first ballistic missile test of 2024. State media described it as A new solid fuel, medium-range missile Equipped with a hypersonic weapon, it was probably intended to target US military bases in Guam and Japan.
At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, South Korea urged the council “To break the silence” on North Korea’s increased missile tests and threats. Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council, have blocked US-led efforts to extend sanctions on North Korea over recent weapons tests, underscoring deepening divisions over Russia’s war on Ukraine. South Korea is completing a two-year term on the council.
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