North Korea fires cruise missiles as allies stage drills
By HYUNG-JIN KIM and KIM TONG-HYUNG
Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has launched cruise missiles just days after it carried out what it called a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea to protest its military drills with the United States. North Korea has stepped up its weapons testing saying it’s in response to the ongoing South Korean-U.S. military training that it sees as an invasion rehearsal. Analysts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un likely intends to enlarge his arsenal to win greater outside concessions while trying to boost an image of a strong leader amid domestic economic hardships. The 11-day South Korean-U.S. drills are to end on Thursday. The United States reportedly plans to send an aircraft carrier in coming days for more drills.
