The country tested the rail-based system for the first time last September, saying it was designed as a potential counter-strike to any threatening forces.


Seoul: North Korea tested a railway-borne missile in its firing drills on Friday, state media KCNA said on Saturday, amid a US push for fresh sanctions against the isolated state following its recent series of weapons tests.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) travelled about 430 km (267 miles) to a maximum altitude of 36 km (22 miles) after being launched eastward on the northwest coast of North Korea.
The official KCNA news agency did not specify the missiles' range, or trajectory, but said a firing drill was held in North Pyongan Province to "check and judge the proficiency in the action procedures of the railway-borne regiment."
The country tested the rail-based system for the first time last September, saying it was designed as a potential counter-strike to any threatening forces.
Since New Year's Day, North Korea has launched three ballistic missiles in an unusually fast sequence of weapons tests. The previous two launches involved what state media called "hypersonic missiles" capable of high speeds and manoeuvring after launch.
Hours before the latest test drill, North Korea slammed the United States for pursuing new sanctions in response to its recent missile launches, calling it a "provocation" and warning of a strong reaction. read more
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration imposed its first sanctions against Pyongyang on Wednesday, and called on the U.N. Security Council to blacklist several North Korean individuals and entities.
North Korea has defended the missile tests as its sovereign right to self-defence and accused the United States of intentionally escalating the situation with new sanctions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not attend the drill. KCNA said the military leadership had ordered the test "at short notice" and the system precisely struck the target set in the east coast with "two tactical guided missiles."
The system "demonstrated high manoeuvrability and rate of hits," KCNA said, adding its success led to discussions to "set up proper railway-borne missile operating system across the country."
North Korea has been steadily developing its weapons systems, raising the stakes for stalled talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals in return for U.S. sanctions relief.
South Korean Chung Eui-yong and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the latest launch during their phone call on Saturday and coordinated responses to the North's recent missile tests, the State Department said.
Both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining firm combined readiness posture and urged Pyongyang to return to a negotiating table, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
SOURCE: REUTERS

U.S. loss to South Korea another misstep with World Cup prep time running out
- 7 hours ago

Another person dies of Naegleria in Karachi
- 3 hours ago
Arab, Muslim leaders to meet in Qatar to denounce Israeli attack
- 3 hours ago
Nepal returns to calm as first woman PM takes charge, visits wounded
- 3 hours ago
Blasphemy case: Engr Muhammad Ali Mirza remanded in NCCIA custody for seven days
- 8 hours ago

World Athletics Championships begin in Tokyo
- 8 hours ago
Wasim Akram tells Pakistan, India to forget noise and ‘enjoy’ Asia Cup clash
- 8 hours ago

Gold prices decline in Pakistan today
- 9 hours ago

Field Marshal, PM leave for important visit to Bannu
- 9 hours ago
Judiciary is facing challenges in journey to deliver justice: CJP Afridi
- 8 hours ago
PM suspends collection of power bills from consumers in flood-affected areas
- 3 hours ago
President expresses Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of civilisation exchange, mutual learning
- 7 hours ago