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| Kim and his Generals |
North Korea said Saturday it
had successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic
missile (ICBM) that would "guarantee" an eventual nuclear strike on
the US mainland. It was the latest in a series of claims by Pyongyang of
significant breakthroughs in both its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile
programmes.
Outside experts have treated a
number of the claims with scepticism, suggesting the North Korean leadership is
attempting to talk up its achievements ahead of a showcase ruling party
congress next month. According to the North's official KCNA news agency, the
ground engine test was ordered and personally monitored by leader Kim Jong-Un.
As soon as Kim flagged off the
test, "the engine spewed out huge flames with deafening boom", KCNA
said.