According to the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test was conducted the previous day to assess the system's technical reliability and its ability to detect, identify and track targets.
However, KCNA did not disclose the missiles' ranges, flight paths, launch locations or the targets used in the test.
North Korea also carried out a live-fire drill on the same day targeting a simulated airfield. KCNA said the country's missile force unit "successfully carried out" its strike mission with long-range cruise missiles, describing the drill as part of ongoing efforts to modernize its weapons systems and improve their reliability in combat.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) earlier said it detected multiple projectiles launched by North Korea toward the East Sea from an area in South Hamgyong Province. They were believed to have traveled less than 300 kilometers, with the JCS still analyzing the details of the launches.
The latest provocation coincided with the U.S. midterm elections, in an apparent move to draw attention amid fresh possibilities of resuming talks between Pyongyang and Washington, although prospects for dialogue now appear uncertain following the Democrats’ sweeping victory.
Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, earlier said dialogue remained an "option for maintaining peace" but was not necessarily in the country's interests.
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