North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Oversees Nuclear Counterattack Drills Targeting Seoul and Washington

 Pyongyang,  – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised military exercises simulating nuclear counterattacks on Seoul and Washington, state media reported on Friday, May 9, following missile tests conducted the previous day. South Korea’s military assessed that Thursday’s tests, which involved “various types” of short-range ballistic missiles, may be linked to North Korea’s arms exports to Russia. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the drills incorporated a rocket system and a tactical ballistic missile.

KCNA detailed that the exercises included comprehensive training on “procedures and processes for swiftly transitioning to a nuclear counterattack posture.” The agency stated, “The objective of the exercise was achieved, and the reliability of the command and mobilization system, capable of responding rapidly to any nuclear crisis, was verified.” These activities violate United Nations sanctions, which prohibit Pyongyang from possessing ballistic missiles—weapons that travel predominantly outside Earth’s atmosphere—due to its nuclear program.

Earlier this week, Kim inspected shell production at munitions factories, with state media claiming a significant surge in output over recent months. Additionally, Pyongyang recently commissioned a 5,000-ton missile destroyer named Choe Hyon, which analysts believe may be equipped to launch sea-to-ground and sea-to-air missiles. South Korea’s military suggests the destroyer’s development likely involved Russian assistance, reflecting the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia in recent years. This partnership has extended to North Korea deploying thousands of troops to support Russian forces in reclaiming the Kursk region, partially occupied by Ukraine.