(LEAD) N. Korea tests cluster bomb mountable on tactical ballistic missiles

North Korea recently conducted a test of a cluster bomb that can be attached to tactical ballistic missiles, according to its state media. The Korean Central News Agency reported that the test was conducted on Saturday to evaluate the combat suitability and effectiveness of the cluster-bomb warhead designed for use on tactical ballistic missiles.

The Standard Type 2 cluster-bomb warhead is capable of rendering a target area of 12 to 13 hectares uninhabitable, the KCNA stated. The general director of the North Korean Missile Administration explained that the cluster bomb warheads are classified into four categories, each serving specific operational purposes. By the end of the year, North Korea aims to deploy various types of cluster warheads on tactical ballistic missiles, the director said.

North Korea fired the missile towards the Yellow Sea from an area around the northwestern county of Chongju. South Korea's military monitored the missile launch, noting that the missile was tracked due to close information sharing between the two nations. The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that they maintained a readiness posture in response to the test.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during trilateral talks in Atlanta with South Korea and Japan, reiterated Washington's openness to negotiations with North Korea, but no meeting has been scheduled.