Aug 7, 2019 - World

Kim Jong-un: North Korea missile tests a warning to U.S. and Seoul

Rebecca Falconer

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) clapping hands while viewing a stage during his inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army. Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said Wednesday the country's latest launch of tactical guided missiles was designed to "send an adequate warning" to the U.S. and South Korea over this week's joint military drills, state media reports.

Why it matters: The launch of the newly developed, short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday was the 4th such exercise in less than 2 weeks. It comes as denuclearization talks between the U.S. and North Korea stall, Reuters notes.

The demonstration fire clearly verified the reliability, security and actual war capacity of the new-type tactical guided weapon system."

— North Korea's KCNA news agency

The big picture: President Trump said last week North Korea's missile tests do not violate the terms of his agreement with the country's leader Kim Jong-un. Nonetheless, he urged Kim to "do the right thing."

Go deeper: Ignoring North Korean missile tests could hamper nuclear talks

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Kim Jong-un: North Korea missile tests a warning to U.S. and Seoul

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