Kim Ju Ae’s presence during the recent visits has drawn renewed attention. (Image: File/KCNA) Days after test-firing 10 ballistic missiles, North Korea conducted a test of nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers, state media reported. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of the multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) on Saturday, which he described as a "very deadly yet attractive weapon." The exercise involved a dozen 600 mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies. State media Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim stressed that it is important to maintain and expand a “powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent." The weapon will be "immediately used for their second mission as a means of massive, destructive strike" in case deterrents fail to prevent foreign forces from launching an armed provocation or invading North Korea," Kim was quoted as saying. He said that the drill gave Pyongyang’s enemies, within the 420-kilometre (around 260-mile) striking range, a sense of “uneasiness” and “a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapons." The rockets struck an island target in the East Sea of Korea more than 360 km away. His daughter Kim Ju Ae, seen as his potential successor, accompanied him during the tests. Photos released by state media showed several rockets blasting into the air from large vehicles. Another image showed Kim and his daughter, Ju Ae, watching the launch from a distance alongside a military official. Seoul condemned the launches as a “provocation that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions” and urged Pyongyang to halt such actions immediately. The missile launch was triggered by the Freedom Shield joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea. South Korea and the US have begun their spring military drills, which are scheduled to run until March 19. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, earlier this week, had warned that the drills could lead to “unimaginably terrible consequences.” Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has said that US President Donald Trump believes a meeting with Kim would be "good". Ananya is a journalist with a strong grounding in breaking news and a deep-rooted passion for geopolitics. She has 6 years of experience in TV and Dig... View More