North Korea Tests Long-Range Cruise Missiles; Kim Jong Un 'Greatly Satisfied'

• North Korea announced testing long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test its nuclear deterrence.
• Leader Kim Jong Un expressed "great satisfaction" over the launches, calling it a "responsible exercise of self-defense."
• South Korea confirmed multiple cruise missile launches from North Korea's capital region, maintaining readiness with the US.
• While UN resolutions ban ballistic missiles, cruise missiles are not banned but pose a threat due to maneuverability and low-altitude flight.
• The tests follow progress on a nuclear-powered submarine and other weapons, with experts suggesting possible tech transfer from Russia.

Why It Matters: North Korea boosts nuclear deterrence with cruise missile tests, raising regional tensions and leveraging its arsenal.