North Korea has claimed to have tested a new type of cruise missile, the state media reported on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Pyongyang tested a new type of strategic cruise missile, the Bulhwasal-3-31, under development, the state-controlled media outlet KCNA said.

Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons had made it the subject of wide-ranging international sanctions.

UN resolutions prohibited North Korea from testing ballistic missiles of any range, some of which were capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

Tests of cruise missiles were not subject to sanctions against Pyongyang.

Such weapons, however, could also be used to deliver nuclear warheads.

South Korea’s military, on Wednesday morning, detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea toward the open sea.

Seoul didn’t initially provide any further details.

Against the backdrop of the conflict over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have increased significantly once again.

The U.S. and South Korea had stepped up their military cooperation, including joint manoeuvres, in response to multiple tests of nuclear-capable missiles by Pyongyang over the past two years. 

(dpa/NAN)