N Korea: Test fired missiles that can carry nukes

STORY: North Korea says it’s successfully test-fired cruise missiles that can carry nuclear weapons.

State media reported on Thursday (October 13), leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles.

And called it a test to, quote “confirm the reliability and operation of nuclear-capable weapons deployed to military units.”

The Korea Central News Agency, or KCNA, said the test launch was held on Wednesday (October 12), adding that the two missiles "clearly hit the target 1,240 miles away."

KCNA said the exercise was aimed at: "enhancing the combat efficiency and might of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People's Army for the operation of tactical nukes."

It also reported that Kim wants the country to "continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces.”

Pyongyang first tested a "strategic" cruise missile in September 2021, which analysts at the time saw as possibly the country's first such weapon with a nuclear capability.

Wednesday's test confirms that nuclear role and that it is operational.

Adding to concern in the region, Japan’s defence minister told the Japanese parliament on Thursday, North Korea has likely achieved the capability of mounting miniaturised nuclear warheads on missiles that could reach as far as Japan.