A general view shows pedestrian and traffic amid the Pyongyang city skyline and Ryugyong hotel (R) on March 9, 2019.(Photo credit should read ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea said Monday it has conducted submarine-launched cruise missile tests, days after its leader Kim Jong Un ordered his troops to be ready to repel its rivals’ "frantic war preparation moves."The test on Sunday came a day before the U.S.
and South Korean militaries begin large-scale joint military drills that North Korea views as a rehearsal for invasion.The official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that the missile launches were meant to confirm the reliability of the weapons system and gauge underwater-to-surface offensive operations of the country's submarine units.RELATED: Rapper Costa Titch dies at 28 after collapsing onstage during music festivalComing off a record year in missile testing, North Korea's weapons demonstrations this year include test launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile, short-range missiles and a purported long-range cruise missile system in recent weeks.The White House said Wednesday that North Korea is covertly sending a significant number of artillery shells to Russia amid the war with Ukraine.
Political science professor, Mikhail Alexseev talks with LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow to provide the latest information.Experts say North Korea's escalated testing and threats are meant to claim an ability to conduct nuclear strikes in South Korea and against the U.S.