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18th Apr 2019

North Korea test-fires new “tactical guided weapon”

Dave Hanratty

North Korea weapon test

North Korean state media has confirmed the test.

North Korea has overseen the test firing of a new “tactical guided weapon” armed with a “powerful” warhead, according to reports from its state media.

It marks the first test since talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump broke down at the beginning of March.

The two world leaders had met in Hanoi, Vietnam in a bid to reach a deal over denuclearisation.

Speaking afterwards, Trump said:

“I think our relationship is very strong, but at this time, we had some options, and at this time we decided not to do any of the options.

“And we’ll see where that goes, but it was a very interesting two days. I think, actually, it was a very productive two days but sometimes you have to walk, and this was just one of those times.”

No major progress has been made since, while Trump has said that his counterpart will need to display “the right attitude” in order for talks to move forward.

Few details are known regarding Wednesday’s test, including precisely what type of weapon was used, though the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has reported that Kim Jong-un personally oversaw proceedings.

The test was “conducted in various modes of firing at different targets” and was hailed by Kim as being “of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People’s Army”.

The North Korean leader had previously claimed to cease nuclear activity.

Donald Trump has yet to comment on the latest developments.

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