The muscle flexing on the Korean peninsula continues. At the beginning of the year, North Korea alarmed the world with several missile tests and artillery exercises. Now the isolated country is reporting another test – this time underwater.
North Korea says it has tested an underwater system capable of nuclear weapons. State media reported on Friday that it was the “Haeil-5-23” weapon system that was being developed. North Korea uses “Haeil” to describe underwater attack drones that, according to its own statements, can also be equipped with nuclear warheads. It was not known when the test took place. The largely isolated country is subject to tough international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.
The test was reportedly in response to the US’s recent joint naval exercise with its allies South Korea and Japan. The trilateral exercise, which was also intended to deter North Korea, took place from Monday to Wednesday in international waters south of the South Korean island of Jeju with the participation of the aircraft carrier “USS Carl Vinson”.
North Korea accuses Japan, South Korea and the USA of provocation
North Korea accused the three countries of provocation. The army’s nuclear weapons-based underwater systems will be further developed until they are completed, it said. The country had already reported tests with underwater drones capable of nuclear weapons last year. There was also talk of secret weapons.
Against the backdrop of the conflict over North Korea’s nuclear program, the situation on the Korean peninsula is more tense than it has been for years.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
