Pyongyang: North Korea announced the successful test-launch of hypersonic missiles in the East Sea, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, as reported by state media on Monday. The launch, conducted by a sub-unit of the Korean People's Army, aimed to evaluate the nation's war deterrence capabilities and the readiness of its weapon systems.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the missile launch was detected by South Korea's military at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday. This event occurred just before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's departure for Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It also followed the United States' announcement of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture during a large-scale military operation.

Kim Jong-un reportedly stated that the missile tests are designed to enhance North Korea's nuclear war deterrent, underscoring the necessity in light of recent geopolitical tensions. Although the Korean Central News Agency did not elaborate on the specific "recent geopolitical crisis," North Korea's foreign ministry has criticized the U.S. military's capture of Maduro, labeling it a severe violation of sovereignty.