North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles Citing Geopolitical Crisis, Response To US Venezuela Strikes? | World News
Amid US-Venezuela tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test firings of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, according to state media outlet KCNA; this was the country’s first ballistic missile test of the year. Kim said the launch was aimed at strengthening Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent.
KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un as saying that maintaining and expanding a “strong and reliable nuclear deterrent” is an important strategic priority for North Korea. He referred to “recent geopolitical crises and various international conditions”, although he did not specify which events he was referring to.
According to reports, the development may be linked to the recent US military attacks on Venezuela, which North Korea has openly criticized.
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Missiles Hit Targets 1,000 km Away
According to KCNA, the hypersonic missiles hit targets about 1,000 kilometers away in waters east of North Korea. The test was carried out at sea and aimed to evaluate the readiness and operational capability of the country’s hypersonic weapon systems.
South Korea’s military confirmed that North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on Sunday. The launch comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung begins an official visit to North Korea’s main ally, China.
(Also Read: Is Greenland Next? Trump’s Venezuela Action Sparks Fear, Danish Prime Minister Tells US to Stop Threats)
Link to US Venezuela Attacks
Following the missile test, North Korea issued a statement condemning US attacks on Venezuela, saying they were a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Hong Min, a North Korean expert at the Korea National Unification Institute in Seoul, said the missile test appeared to be a response to these actions by the United States. He pointed out that Kim’s reference to the “recent geopolitical crisis” was a possible signal.
Possibility of Using Hwasong-11 Missiles
Hong Min said the missiles tested were likely Hwasong-11 hypersonic missiles, based on images published by North Korean state media. These missiles were first displayed to the public during a military parade in October 2025.
KCNA said the exercise was meant to test combat readiness, improve the operational skills of missile troops and assess the country’s overall war deterrence.
