The US military said it tracked multiple missile launches by North Korea but assessed that they did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, US territory or allies in the region.
North Korea said it conducted a joint firepower drill involving long-range artillery and missile units on Saturday. Subunits selected from five artillery and missile units of the Korean People’s Army took part in the drill.
New combat systems used
The drill used new combat systems, including attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, large-caliber thermobaric multiple rocket launchers and tactical ballistic missiles.
The exercise was led by Pak Jong Chon, a marshal of the Korean People’s Army and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, and Major General Yu Chang Son, director of the Artillery Bureau.
North Korea claimed that all attack systems hit their targets with 100 percent accuracy and demonstrated the capacity to conduct intensive attacks simultaneously.
Yu Chang Son said the drills aimed to strengthen the army’s strategic counterattack posture and improve the rapid-response capabilities of units in emergencies.
Drill followed Freedom Edge exercise
The missile launches took place one day after the end of the five-day Freedom Edge naval exercise conducted by the United States, South Korea and Japan in international waters off Jeju Island, south of South Korea.
Long-range artillery and missile units took part in the North Korean drill, which was held one day after the United States, South Korea and Japan completed their naval exercise.
