North Korea revealed it tested five tactical short-range missiles on Sunday, using cluster bomb warheads—one of the weapons known for its destructive power.
The official North Korean news agency, KCNA, reported that the test aimed to assess the characteristics and destructive power of cluster warheads as well as mine-dispersal warheads.
The report was released Monday morning, following the usual pattern of North Korean state media reporting events one or more days after they occur.
Earlier, Japan, South Korea, and the United States detected the missile launches on Sunday, reflecting that North Korea's military activities remain closely monitored by the international community.
Stills released by KCNA showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the test site, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae and senior military officials. The presence of the leader's daughter continues to draw analysts' attention, as she frequently participates in key defense-related events recently.
One released image showed an explosion on a small island with water splashing around, likely demonstrating the wide-area blast effect of the cluster warhead.
Other images showed missiles being launched from a pier extending into the sea.
Cluster weapons release many smaller submunitions over a wide area, causing damage to both military targets and civilians.
These weapons have faced heavy criticism internationally due to their high risk to civilians and the frequent unexploded ordnance left behind in affected areas.
:AP
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