North Korea test-fires cruise missiles in message to 'enemies'
What's the story
North Korea has conducted a series of strategic cruise missile tests under the supervision of its leader, Kim Jong Un.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that these missile drills were carried out in the Yellow Sea on Wednesday.
According to KCNA, the tests aimed to send a clear message to "enemies" about North Korea's counterattack capabilities and warn those "seriously violating the security environment" of North Korea.
Test details
Missiles hit targets after 130-minute flight
The missiles successfully hit their targets after a 130-minute flight along a 1,587km trajectory, KCNA reported.
"Expressing satisfaction over the result...Kim Jong Un said it is a responsible exercise of the DPRK's war deterrence to continuously test the reliability and operation of the components of its nuclear deterrence and demonstrate their might," the official mouthpiece said.
This is Pyongyang's fourth missile launch this year and the second since United States President Donald Trump began his second term in January.
Diplomatic efforts
Trump expresses willingness to engage with Kim
President Trump, who had held three summits with Kim in a bid to negotiate nuclear disarmament, has expressed willingness to meet the North Korean leader again.
Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump said, "I got along with him," adding that Kim is "not a religious zealot" but "a smart guy."
South
Tracking launch of several cruise missiles: South Korea
South Korea's military claimed to have "tracked and monitored North Korea's launch of several cruise missiles" on Wednesday.
"Our military is closely monitoring various North Korean trends... while maintaining the ability and posture to overwhelmingly respond to any provocation," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
The KCNA did not specify the location of the test, but NK News, a specialist website, said it was likely near the city of Nampho, around 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the South Korean border.