North Korea says it's has tested an underwater unclear attacks drone

Pyongyang blames its rivals for raising tensions in the region and has warned of "catastrophic consequences" in response to military drills. Friday 19 January 2024 11:34, UK Pic: AP This combination of photos provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says a test of underwater strategic weapon system held during April 4 - 7, 2023 in the waters off South Hamgyong province, North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. Image: Photos released by the North Korean government show what it says was a test of its underwater weapon system in April 2023. Pic: AP Why you can trust Sky News North Korea says it has tested an underwater nuclear attack drone in response to a "reckless" and "hostile" combined naval exercise by the US, South Korea and Japan. The underwater drone, which North Korea claims can carry a nuclear weapon, was first tested by the country in 2023. Sponsored link What If Your Android Could Block All Ads? (Do It Now) What If Your Android Could Block All Ads? (Do It Now) Blocking ads is a quick way to speed up browsing, lower data usage and save battery on your Android! expertsonsecurity.com The system, named Haeil-5-23, was also tested this week in waters off North Korea's east coast, state media KCNA has reported, without specifying a date. It is among a broad range of weapon systems Pyongyang has demonstrated in recent years as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expands his arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons. The reported underwater weapons test this week has not been independently verified. South Korea's military has insisted North Korea has exaggerated the capabilities of the drone, which is supposedly designed to carry out strikes on enemy vessels and ports. North Korea continues to blame its rivals for raising tensions in the region, with the defence ministry saying it conducted the test in response to the US, South Korean, and Japanese naval drills. MORE FROM WORLD Japan's SLIM Japan moon landing live: Brace for '20 minutes of terror' as 'sniper' probe attempts historic mission Pic: Governor of Bryansk Region Alexander Bogomaz telegram channel AV Bogomaz/AP Ukraine war latest: NATO preparing for war with Russia - as Germany warns Putin may launch attack Benjamin Netanyahu and Antony Blinken. Pics: AP Benjamin Netanyahu rejects calls from US for Palestinian state after Gaza conflict The drills were carried out for three days and ended in waters south of Jeju island on Wednesday. A North Korean defence ministry spokesman accused the three countries of "getting frantic" with military exercises, warning of "catastrophic consequences". Advertisement The spokesman also said in a statement: "Our army's underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military manoeuvres of the navies of the US and its allies. "We strongly denounce the US and its followers for their reckless acts of seriously threatening the security of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) from the outset of the year and sternly warn them of the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by them." South Korea's defence ministry later issued a warning and called for a halt of North Korea's weapons tests. "Our military is thoroughly prepared for North Korea's provocations under a solid joint defence posture with the United States," it said in a statement, vowing "overwhelming" responses if North Korea stages a direct provocation. Read more: Who is the girl who may be North Korea's next leader? Kim Jong Un makes nuclear weapon pledge North Korea tests long-range missile which can 'reach anywhere in US' North Korean leader Kim Jong Un0:58 Play Video - What are North Korea's plans for 2024? What are North Korea's plans for 2024? Tensions in the region at highest point in years The alleged drone test came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un scrapped his country's long-standing goal of a peaceful unification with South Korea. He also said his country will rewrite its constitution to define South Korea as its most hostile foreign adversary. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years with North Korea accelerating weapons demonstrations and threatening nuclear conflict. The US and its Asian allies have been responding by strengthening their combined military exercises. Sponsored Links What is Outbrain Most Android Users Didn't Know How To Block Ads (Do It Now!) Most Android Users Didn't Know How To Block Ads (Do It Now!) Blocking ads is a quick way to speed up browsing, lower data usage and save battery on your Android! expertsonsecurity.com Prince Harry withdraws libel claim against Mail on Sunday publisherSky News Prince Harry withdraws libel claim against Mail on Sunday publisher Sky News