Photos Show North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Elated at 'Success' of Alleged Submarine Missile
Kim Jong Un can be seen smiling and cheering in the photos.
— -- Photos show North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overjoyed at the "success" at the alleged test-firing of a submarine ballistic missile.
Kim said the purported missile launch "was a great manifestation and demonstration of the tremendous power and inexhaustible muscle" of North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency said Thursday. They said he provided guidance from an observation post by giving the order for the submarine to submerge in and fire the missile, called "Pukguksong."
The KCNA did not disclose the date and time the test fire took place.
Images show the self-proclaimed "Supreme Leader" of North Korea smiling as he is said to be watching the launch from a screen, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Another photo shows Kim appearing to be elated as he celebrates with uniformed members of the military.
"He noted with pride that the results of the test-fire proved in actuality that the [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] joined the front rank of the military powers fully equipped with nuclear attack capability," the KCNA wrote.
North Korea is "bolstering" its "nuclear attack capability hour by hour" due to threats the U.S. mainland and military presence in the Pacific present, according to the state-run media. Kim "strongly" warned the U.S. and South Korea from "hurting the dignity and security of North Korea" if they want to avoid military strikes against them.
In February, Kim released video footage purportedly showing a rocket launch, which he deemed a "complete success," saying the reason for the blastoff was for "peaceful purposes."