Top DPRK leader oversees long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill -- official news agency

PYONGYANG -- Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill conducted in the western waters off the Korean Peninsula, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Monday.

Two strategic cruise missiles flew along the planned flight orbit in space over the western waters off the peninsula for 10,199 seconds and 10,203 seconds, respectively, before hitting the target, the report said.

"The result of the launching drill is a practical verification and clear demonstration of the absolute reliability and combat readiness of our strategic counterattack capability," Kim was quoted as saying.

Kim said that checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of the DPRK's nuclear deterrent on a regular basis and steadily demonstrating their might are a responsible exercise of the right to self-defense and war deterrence under the present situation in which the country is facing various security threats, according to the report.

Kim also affirmed that the country would, as ever, devote all its efforts "to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force," it said.