North Korea says leader Kim supervised missile tests simulating nuclear strikes against rivals

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:27 am

North Korea Simulates Nuclear Strikes, Escalating Peninsula Tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw missile tests simulating nuclear counterstrikes against the United States and South Korea, according to state media reports released Friday. The tests, conducted Thursday, involved short-range ballistic missile systems, including a mobile system modeled after Russia's Iskander and 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers. These weapons are part of a growing arsenal North Korea claims can be armed with tactical nuclear weapons for battlefield use.

The tests aimed to train military units to execute attacks under North Korea's nuclear weapons control system, ensuring a swift response to a potential nuclear crisis. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) criticized the U.S. and its allies for expanding joint military exercises, which Pyongyang views as preparations for nuclear war.

South Korea's military detected multiple launches from North Korea's eastern coast, with missiles traveling up to 500 miles. South Korean officials condemned the launches as a clear act of provocation, violating U.N. Security Council resolutions and threatening regional peace. They also suggested the tests could be related to North Korea's weapons exports to Russia for its war in Ukraine. This was the North's first known ballistic activity since March 10th and the sixth launch event of the year.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that none of the missiles reached Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launches come amidst escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, fueled by Kim's accelerated nuclear and missile program development and support for Russia's war.

BNN's Perspective: While North Korea's actions are undeniably provocative and destabilizing, it's crucial to recognize the cycle of escalation. The U.S. and South Korea's joint military exercises, while intended for defense, are perceived by North Korea as a threat, fueling their aggressive behavior. A balanced approach, combining firm condemnation with a willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue, is essential to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.

Keywords: North Korea, Kim Jong Un, missile tests, nuclear strikes, South Korea, United States, ballistic missiles, Russia, Ukraine, military exercises, Korean Peninsula, tensions, provocation, weapons exports, nuclear weapons, KCNA, Japan, security council resolutions, regional peace, defense, diplomacy

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