North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated on Monday that his country will continue to develop "powerful strike means" to strengthen national defence capabilities.
Kim made the remarks during a photo session with officials and scientists who contributed to the "successful" test-firing of the new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on March 24, which ended the North's self-imposed moratorium on long-range missile testing that had been in place since November 2017, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News.
"Under any circumstances, we must be strong to protect peace, expedite socialist construction, and be accountable for the security of the rising generations, free of any threat," Kim said. Pyongyang will "continue to achieve the goal of boosting national defence capabilities, developing more powerful attack means, and equipping our People's Army with them," he added. Kim also highlighted that a country can only prevent a war and ensure its security if it has "formidable striking capabilities" and "massive military might that no one can stop."
After a study of the missile's engine nozzles and engine combustion time, South Korea and the US believe the North launched a Hwasong-15 ICBM, the same type it fired in late 2017, and disguised its launch as a Hwasong-17, informed sources said on Sunday. The launch on March 24 was North Korea's latest show of power this year, following 11 rounds of missile tests.
Muslim women's protest against Taliban, demands to start girls' schools
