Kim Jong-un urged troops to be on full readiness to use nuclear weapons

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a test launch of strategic cruise missiles and after the demonstration ordered the military to maintain readiness to use the country's entire nuclear capability. reports KCNA news agency.

The test reportedly took place on the morning of 26 February. The missiles covered a distance of 1,587 kilometres in 7,900 seconds, hitting the designated targets.

The regular missile test is intended to warn enemies who seriously disrupt the security environment (of the DPRK) and contribute to escalating confrontation, as well as to demonstrate the readiness of various nuclear operation means, North Korean media wrote.

As noted by KCNA, Kim Jong-un said that "a strong strike capability is a key element of defence and strategic deterrence." He added that "the DPRK Armed Forces are responsible for defending national sovereignty and security by maintaining the combat readiness of nuclear forces and remaining in full readiness to use them."

At the same time, Kim did not name any countries "by name" when he spoke about the warning for "enemies."

Pyongyang has been developing strategic cruise missiles designed to deliver nuclear warheads for several years.