North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, which confirmed the integrity of the country’s nuclear power and counter-attack readiness in the face of security threats, state media KCNA said on Monday. Read moreNorth Korea's former symbolic head of state Kim Yong Nam diesHe affirmed that North Korea would continue devoting all its efforts to the “unlimited” development of its nuclear combat force, KCNA added. Read moreNorth Korea fires artillery rockets ahead of US defence secretary's border visit, Seoul saysNorth Korea could conduct additional missile tests around New Year’s Day, Yonhap news agency said, citing a South Korean military official. South Korea’s military declined to comment on the possibility of further launches. Hong Min, an expert on North Korea at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said Sunday’s launch was likely intended to test an upgraded cruise missile capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear weapons.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 29, 2025 12:40 UTC