Powerful striking capabilities guarantee security: North Korea’s Kim

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – After the launch of a new inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) by North Korea triggered a sharp reaction from the UN, the US and its allies, the country’s leader said on Monday powerful striking capabilities “guarantee the security of the country.”

“Only when one is equipped with formidable striking capabilities, an overwhelming military power that cannot be stopped by anyone, is it possible for one to prevent a war, guarantee the security of the country and contain and put under control all threats and blackmails by the imperialists,” Kim Jong-un told a ceremony of officials, scientists, technicians and workers in the field of the defense industry who contributed to the successful test-fire of ICBM Hwasongpho-17.

North Korea last Thursday test-fired a “new type” of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward the East Sea, according to the state-run KCNA news outlet.

The test was personally monitored by Kim and triggered sharp responses from UN, the US, South Korea, and Japan.

Following the launch of the missile, Washington sanctioned six persons linked to Pyongyang while urging the UN Security Council to tighten the screws on North Korea.

However, Kim on Monday asserted North Korea would “continue to attain the defense up-building goal and develop much more powerful strike means to equip our army with them.”

North Korea is under UN sanctions since 2006 for its nuclear program which it has refused to abandon. Besides, Washington has imposed its own sanctions on the country, punishing the communist state for developing its defense capabilities.