Pyongyang: North Korean leader, accompanied by his daughter, oversaw a test of a new missile. North Korean state media released images of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and his teenage daughter Kim Ju-ae observing a test of an upgraded missile on Sunday (April 19), marking the fourth missile test this month.
According to Thai News Agency, Korean Central Television (KRT) reported on Sunday (April 19) that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test firing of an improved short-range ballistic missile, which international media reported was North Korea's fourth missile test this month. The test involved firing five upgraded Hwasong-11LA surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missiles to assess the power and effectiveness of new warheads, including cluster and fragmentation types.
The KRT report also stated that North Korea fired a missile from an area near the city of Sinpo on its east coast, targeting an island approximately 140 kilometers away. The missile struck an area of about 80 acres with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating the system's capability for intense pressure attacks.
North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, also released separate images showing Kim Jong-un overseeing and observing the missile test, accompanied by his teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and high-ranking military officials. The images show them from an observation post and later discussing the test results with close aides. Kim Jong-un expressed great satisfaction with the results, stating that the development of multiple warhead types would enhance high-density striking capability to effectively destroy specific targets.
The Japanese government posted on social media that the missile likely landed near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, and there was no confirmation that it had entered Japan's exclusive economic zone. Meanwhile, a former national security advisor to the South Korean president suggested that North Korea's move was likely an attempt to increase pressure and demonstrate military power before entering into negotiations with the United States and South Korea.
Analysts point out that the escalating tensions in the Middle East between the United States, Israel, and Iran, now in their eighth week, with the US focusing on limiting Iran's nuclear program, could further fuel North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Last week, reports indicated that President Donald Trump might seek an opportunity to meet with Kim Jong-un after his visit to China in May to meet with President Xi Jinping. This would mark their first meeting in nearly seven years, since late June 2019.