North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on March 29 observed a ground test of an upgraded, high‑thrust solid‑fuel engine that state media said marks a major advance in the country’s strategic weapons capability and could help produce more agile, harder‑to‑detect missiles capable of reaching the United States and its allies. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Kim watched the test of an engine built with composite carbon‑fibre materials and described the result as having “great significance in putting the country’s strategic military muscle on the highest level,” according to KCNA.
KCNA said the engine’s reported maximum thrust was 2,500 kilotons, up from about 1,970 kilotons in a similar solid‑fuel engine test in September. North Korea has promoted solid‑fuel motors as enabling quicker launch timelines and greater mobility than liquid‑fuel systems. State coverage framed the trial as part of Kim’s stated drive to field more survivable and harder‑to-detect missiles.
Outside observers have urged caution about Pyongyang’s claims. While the test signals continued development of propulsion technology, some experts say North Korean statements may overstate operational capability or range and caution that independent verification is needed to assess real-world performance and strategic impact.
Severe weather across parts of Afghanistan over the same 24‑hour period left at least 17 people dead and 26 injured, authorities said. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned more heavy rain was expected and that casualty figures could rise as assessment teams survey affected areas. NDMA spokesman Yousuf Hammad said 13 of the country’s 34 provinces-mainly in western, central and northwestern regions-suffered damage.
Hammad reported 147 homes were either completely or partly destroyed, about 80 kilometres of roads washed away, and farmland, irrigation canals and businesses damaged or ruined. Authorities said emergency crews were continuing rescue and recovery work amid ongoing bad weather and the risk of further flooding and landslides.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/30/world-watch-717/
Category: INTERNATIONAL
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Publish Date: 2026-03-30 06:08:00
