North Korea Tests New Air Defense Missiles

NORTH KOREA – North Korea on Saturday tested new air defense missiles under the supervision of its leader Kim Jong Un. Local reports stated that the missiles proved to be capable of delivering a fast response against aerial threats, including attack drones and cruise missiles.

The missiles are claimed to contain operation and reaction modes based on unique and special technology, but the launch location was not disclosed.

The launches coincided with US-South Korea joint drills, while Seoul said its forces fired warning shots Tuesday after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border.

The Yonhap news agency indicated that the UN Command in South Korea said around 30 North Korean soldiers crossed the border.

North Korea’s state media cited Army Lieut. Gen. Ko Jong Chol, who described the incident as a “premeditated and deliberate provocation.”

“This is a very serious prelude that would inevitably drive the situation in the southern border area where a huge number of forces are stationing in confrontation with each other to the uncontrollable phase,” said Ko.

Lee has pushed for closer ties with the nuclear-armed North, pledging to foster “military trust,” but Pyongyang has dismissed any interest in bettering relations with Seoul.