Kim Jong Un Test Fires Missiles Amid Preparations For 'Real War' As US, South Korea Kick Off Major Drills

Kim Jong Un test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine as the U.S. and South Korea kicked off their largest military drill. 

What Happened: The state media on Monday confirmed the reliability of Kim's nuclear-armed North Korean system after it tested the underwater offensive operations of the submarine units that form part of its nuclear deterrent.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the South Korean military was on high alert and its intelligence agency was working with the U.S. counterpart to analyze the specifics of the launch.

See Also: Kim Jong Un Will ‘Probably’ Carry Out New Nuclear Test Soon: US Intel

On Monday, the South Korean and U.S. armies were due to begin their 11 days of joint drills — the largest drill seen since 2017.

South Korean unification ministry spokesperson also slammed Pyongyang for using its "regular, defensive drills as a pretext for provocation."

“I hope North Korea realizes that there is nothing they can earn from escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula,” said Koo Byoung Sam.

North Korea has long opposed the joint exercises on the pretext that they serve as rehearsals for an invasion.

Meanwhile, Kim, last week, ordered his military to intensify drills to simulate “real war” as he monitored a series of missile tests by the North Korean army simulating the destruction of an enemy airport.

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