North Korean warship has ‘serious accident’ at launch

According to state media reports on Thursday, a North Korean warship, similar to the Choe Hyon destroyer revealed last month, was damaged during a launch ceremony. The incident occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard on North Korea’s east coast due to a malfunction in the launch mechanism. Leader Kim Jong Un referred to it as a “criminal act” caused by negligence and warned of consequences. The damaged warship is believed to be equipped similarly to the previously unveiled vessel. North Korea also fired multiple cruise missiles into the sea after the accident, according to South Korea’s military. This launch was the second by Pyongyang this month, following a test of short-range ballistic missiles on May 8.