North Korea says it test-fired submarine-launched cruise missiles Wednesday

North Korea test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, on Wednesday. According to the New Straits Times, the state news agency KCNA stated the missiles were fired as part of a Navy training exercise intended to examine the current mobilized posture of underwater combat systems.

KCNA reported the tests demonstrated the reliability and ability of the country's war deterrents, adding that the launches had no adverse impact on the security of neighboring countries. The Mainichi similarly reported that the test had no adverse impact.

The reported launches follow weeks of friction regarding a September 21 landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers. In the aftermath of that blast, both countries have been testing upgraded missile technology.

Separately, China and North Korea are scheduled to officially open the New Yalu River Bridge to traffic on Thursday, according to reports from the Qatar Tribune citing China's state-run Xinhua news agency. While China completed its side of the bridge in 2014 to boost trade, North Korea left its portion unfinished for years following strained relations after Beijing supported United Nations sanctions.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Mainichi, Qatar Tribune, New Straits Times — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.