Kim Jong-un observes new weapon amid tension

Kim Jong-un / Yonhap

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has observed the test-firing of a new anti-tank guided weapon amid growing tension with the outside world over its nuclear and missile programs.

Kim claimed about the test, conducted on an identified date, the portable anti-tank laser-guided rocket has the longest firing-range of its type in the world, according to the Korean Central News Agency, Saturday. He added its rate of hits is "as accurate as the rifle fire of an expert sniper" and its armor penetrating capability and destructive power are devastating.

The report said Kim “noted with great satisfaction that even the special heavy armored tanks and cars of his enemies, which boast of their high maneuverability and striking power, are no more than boiled pumpkins before the anti-tank guided weapon."

Kim reportedly ordered the activation of a pipeline for massive production of the weapon and will deploy them at frontline combat and coastal units.

The report of Kim's latest inspection came after the U.S. unveiled key points of the draft sanctions resolution to punish North Korea for carrying out its fourth nuclear test and launching a long-range rocket in recent weeks.

The new sanctions would require mandatory inspection of all cargo going to and coming from North Korea, stop exports of coal, iron and other mineral resources and prohibit all small arms and other conventional weapons from being sold to the North. The resolution also calls for banning deliveries of jet and rocket fuel supplies to the North, grounding North Korean flights suspected of carrying contraband, and denying access to North Korea’s ports of suspicious vessels carrying illicit items.