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North Korea conducts a test of a cluster bomb warhead designed for tactical ballistic missiles amid rising tensions with South Korea. (Img: X )
Pyongyang: North Korea has tested a high density cluster bomb warhead intended for tactical ballistic missiles, marking another step in its ongoing military modernisation programme. The latest test comes amid heightened tensions with South Korea and growing international concerns over Pyongyang's expanding weapons capabilities.
According to the report, the test was conducted on Saturday to evaluate the warhead's combat suitability and destructive capabilities.
The country's Missile Administration said the cluster-bomb warhead demonstrated the ability to cover a target area measuring between 12 and 13 hectares. The system is designed to release multiple smaller explosive devices across a wide area.
North Korean officials also revealed that cluster-bomb warheads have been divided into four categories based on their operational objectives and intended targets. The administration said it aims to make all four types available to military units within the year.
Leader Kim Jong Un did not attend Saturday's test. However, he had supervised an earlier test involving similar warheads mounted on a ballistic missile in April, accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae.
The latest development follows a series of weapons trials involving attack drones, a precision-guided torpedo system and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.
The missile was reportedly launched towards the Yellow Sea from an area near Chongju in northwestern North Korea.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military had monitored related activities before the launch and maintained operational readiness through intelligence-sharing arrangements with the United States.
The latest weapons test comes as South Korea, the United States and Japan renew calls for North Korea's complete denuclearisation during trilateral discussions in Atlanta.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reiterated that President Donald Trump remained open to discussions with Kim Jong Un, provided Pyongyang was willing to address Washington's concerns.
Meanwhile, tensions have intensified following a landmine explosion near the heavily fortified inter Korean border. North Korea has accused Seoul of misrepresenting its border construction activities and warned that violations of its sovereignty could trigger retaliatory self-defence measures.
However , No official meeting between Trump and Kim has been announced.
