North Korea said the missile system it tested Wednesday was a new “railway-borne missile system.”
Reuters reported that North Korean Marshal Pak Jong Chon, who was in charge of the test, told state media KCNA that the system was “an efficient counter-strike means capable of dealing a harsh multi-concurrent blow to the threat-posing forces.”
The testing of the system occurred Wednesday at the same time South Korea tested a missile firing from a submerged 3,700-ton submarine.
South Korea said the target was hit during its test.
North Korea’s test of a new missile system drew international condemnation, with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga saying the test was a “violation of UN Security Council resolution, and I strongly protest and condemn this.”
Tensions between North and South Korea have become increasingly heightened as South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the missile test from North Korea was a provocation.
“If the president joins in the slander and detraction [against us], this will be followed by counter actions, and the North-South relations will be pushed toward a complete destruction,” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister said. “We do not want that.”