North Korea prepares rocket launcher system targeting South Korean population centers

World News

By Lauren Elkies Schram

North Korea is preparing a multiple rocket launcher system targeting South Korean population centers after conducting a third test Friday under the watchful eye of leader Kim Jong Un, state media said.

North Korea’s official news agency reported that the system, which the country has already tested twice this year, will replace older weapons when deployed in the coming months.

The news agency said the latest test confirmed the “advantage and destructive power” of the 240-millimeter multiple rocket launcher and its guided shells.

North Korea has stepped up its weapons testing and rhetoric.

In addition to test launches of 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers in April, Kim authorized the firing of a number of short-range ballistic missiles.

In March, Kim drove a new tank model in exercises, state media reported, as he called for more war preparedness efforts.

Meanwhile, the hermit kingdom’s relations with South Korea and the United States remain hostile.

Kim said last month it was time to prepare for war as the United States, Japan and South Korea conducted joint military exercises.

In December, North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile into the sea a day after President Biden issued a stark warning about the country’s use of nuclear weapons against the United States.

With post wires