Kim Jong Un says it is N Korea s duty to be fully ready to use nuclear deterrence KCNA

SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a test launch of a strategic cruise missile and ordered full readiness to use nuclear attack capability, which would ensure the most effective defence for the country, state media said on Feb 28.

The test was designed to warn “enemies who are seriously violating the security environment of the (country) and fostering and escalating the confrontation environment”, and to demonstrate “readiness of its various nuke operation means”, KCNA news agency said.

“What is guaranteed by powerful striking ability is the most perfect deterrence and defence capacity,” KCNA quoted Mr Kim as saying.

“It is the responsible mission and duty of the DPRK’s nuclear armed forces to permanently defend the national sovereignty and security with the reliable nuclear shield by getting more thorough battle readiness of nuclear force and full preparedness for their use.”

DPRK is short for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The missile launch was conducted on Feb 26 over the sea off the west coast of the Korean peninsula, it said.

North Korea has pursued the development of strategic cruise missiles over several years, intended to deliver nuclear warheads.

The type of missile tends to bring less alarm and condemnation from the international community than ballistic missiles because they are not formally banned under UN Security Council resolutions.

The Security Council has banned the North from ballistic missile and nuclear weapons development and imposed a number of sanctions for violations.

The report of the missile test came in the same week that Mr Kim made back-to-back visits to military schools, driving home the message of loyalty and the importance of ideological and tactical training of young military officers.

Mr Kim did not mention any country by name when he spoke of warning the enemies