North Korea says it tested a cruise missile

BY A STAFF REPORTER: North Korea said Thursday it conducted the first flight test of a new cruise missile as part of bolstering its military capabilities amid rising tensions with the United States and its neighbors.

The news comes a day after South Korea's military detected North Korea firing several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast. It did not immediately elaborate on how many missiles were fired or their flight characteristics.

Sources said the Pulwasal III-31 missile is still in the development stage and the launch poses no threat to its neighbours. The missile has been described as "strategic" with an intention to equip them with nuclear weapons.