Pyongyang [North Korea], August 24: KCNA news agency reported today, August 24, that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised the test of two new anti-aircraft missiles.
The test, which took place on August 23, showed that the two new missile weapon systems have "outstanding combat capabilities," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The KCNA report did not elaborate on the new missiles, saying only that "the operation and reaction mode of the new missile system is based on unique and special technology," according to AFP. The report also did not specify the test site.
"This special test proved that the technological characteristics of the two new types of missiles are highly suitable for destroying various air targets," KCNA wrote.
The new air defense weapon systems demonstrate the ability to "quickly react" to aerial targets such as attack drones and cruise missiles, according to KCNA.
The news of the new anti-aircraft missile test came after KCNA on August 23 quoted a statement by North Korean Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong-chol accusing the South Korean military of firing warning shots at North Korean soldiers at the inter-Korean border on August 19. "This is a very serious preliminary action that will surely push the situation in the southern border area, where a large number of forces are stationed facing each other, to an uncontrollable stage," Mr. Ko warned.
Meanwhile, the South Korean military said on August 23 that some North Korean soldiers crossed the border on August 19 while working in the inter-Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), forcing "the South Korean military to fire warning shots," according to AFP.
The developments come as South Korean President Lee Jae-myung seeks to improve relations with North Korea and pledges to build "military trust", but Pyongyang has said it is not interested in improving relations with Seoul, according to AFP.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
