North Korea says it has tested an “underwater nuclear weapon system”. It was a reaction to joint naval exercises between South Korea, Japan and the USA.
North Korea has conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system, apparently in protest at this week’s joint military exercises between South Korea, the United States and Japan.
As the state news agency KCNA reported, the “Haeil-5-23” system is said to have been tested in the waters off the east coast. However, a specific date was not mentioned.
The underwater nuclear weapons will continue to deter military maneuvers by the naval forces of the United States and its allies, a spokesman for the North Korean Defense Ministry said, according to KCNA.
South Korea, USA and Japan hold exercise
The naval forces of South Korea, the United States and Japan held a three-day joint exercise this week through Wednesday to improve their responses to threats from the nuclear-armed country.
These maneuvers, in which a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier also took part, “seriously threatened” North Korea’s security, Pyongyang alleged.
Relations with South Korea at a low point
Last year, Pyongyang said it tested a nuclear underwater drone that could trigger a “radioactive tsunami.” However, analysts at the time expressed doubts that North Korea had such a weapon.
Relations between South Korea and North Korea, which is largely isolated internationally, are at a low point. North Korea’s leader Kim wants to expand weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons.