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2nd LD Writethru: DPRK leader guides test firing of large-caliber multiple rocket launcher

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un has again guided a test firing of the new, large-caliber multiple rocket launcher, the country's official news agency KCNA reported Tuesday.

Kim expressed his satisfaction with the accuracy of the rockets used and lauded the officials and scientists involved for successfully producing the launching system, according to KCNA reports.

The rocket launcher is "of great strategic importance in remarkably increasing the capability of the KPA (Korean People's Army) to mount a precision attack on the enemies in the southern part of Korea," the KCNA reported, quoted Kim as saying.

Kim was accompanied by director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA Hwang Pyong So and chief of the KPA General Staff Ri Myong Su, as well as other party and military officials.

The test firing came amid high tensions between the two Koreas as the Republic of Korea and the United States are carrying out their large-scale military exercises. Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned and called for suspension of the war games, claiming they are "war rehearsals for northward invasion."

On Monday, the DPRK fired five short-range projectiles that flew about 200 kilometers into its eastern seawaters, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

KCNA reported that the top leader also visited a remodeled factory under the KPA navy for repairing warships, where he emphasized the importance of developing the naval force and strengthening the country's coastal defense.

On March 3, Kim guided the test firing of the newly developed large-caliber multiple rocket launcher for the first time. When he watched the test firing, he ordered the military to be prepared to fire the deployed nuclear warheads at any time and stressed that the DPRK will continue to develop its nuclear weapons.

When he watched a firing drill of ballistic rockets on March 10, Kim demanded all nuclear strike means of the strategic force get ready for action. Endit