North Korean leader oversees transfer of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers
Reuters news agency reported on August 5 that the state news agency KCNA reported on the same day that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had supervised the transfer of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to frontline troops. Seoul said that these launchers could be used to threaten South Korea.
North Korean state media described the launchers as cutting-edge tactical strike weapons personally designed by Kim and ready to be delivered to Korean People's Army units on the border with South Korea.
North Korea said it tested a new tactical ballistic missile last month.
"We believe the rocket launchers are designed to be used in various ways, such as to attack or threaten South Korea," Lee Sung-joon, a spokesman for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news conference, noting that the deployment near the border would mean the range would not be far.
Photos released by KCNA showed the launchers lined up next to red banners calling for victory under floodlights at the night-time event attended by Mr Kim.
In his speech, Mr. Kim blamed the United States for creating a "nuclear-based military bloc" that forced his country to further strengthen its military capabilities.
KCNA photos showed that leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, attended the event.
