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North Korea Tests Underwater Nuclear Drones That Can Generate Radioactive Tsunamis. PHOTO/Reuters
PYONGYANG – North Korea claims it has tested drone an underwater nuclear attack capable of unleashing a “radioactive tsunami”. North Korea also blames the recent US-South Korea drills for the deteriorating regional security situation.
Pyongyang carried out the test in response to joint US-South Korean exercises this week, North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency reported. The trials included testing a new underwater nuclear delivery system.
“This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and harbor or towed by surface ships for operations,” the report said, as quoted by AFP.
“The weapon’s mission is to covertly infiltrate operational waters and generate super-scale radioactive tsunamis to destroy enemy naval strike groups and key operational ports,” the report added.
According to the KCNA report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the test. Images released by Pyongyang’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper show Kim smiling and what appears to be an underwater explosion.
The agency also said Pyongyang had fired a strategic cruise missile “tipped with a simulated nuclear warhead test warhead” on Wednesday. However, analysts have questioned North Korea’s claims.
“The idea that Pyongyang has a nuclear-capable undersea drone should be treated with skepticism,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
“Pyongyang’s claims about a new weapons system do not equate to a credible demonstration of capability,” he added.
In a Twitter post, US-based analyst Ankit Panda said it could not be ruled out that the announcement was an “attempt to scam/psyop”.
“The KCNA report also shows Pyongyang is more than ready to use its tactical nuclear weapons at any time,” An Chan-il, a defector turned researcher, told AFP.
(esn)
