Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored drills of the country’s strategic nuclear forces involving practice launches of ballistic and cruise missiles. Thursday's launches came as the U.S. aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan returned to waters east of South Korea. It is North Korea’s fourth round of weapons launches this week and seen as a response to nearby military drills by the U.S. and its allies. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, a day before U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is to visit South Korea. North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile Sunday toward its eastern seas, extending a provocative streak in weapons testing. A pilot program for online Weighted Airman Promotion System tests would likely involve multiple bases around the globe. Sunday’s statement comes as North Korea’s neighbors say the country is ready for its first nuclear test in five years The suspected artillery launches were the latest in a spate of weapons tests by North Korea this year. The official Korean Central News Agency said leader Kim Jong Un observed what it called the weapon’s successful launch. On Sunday, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it detected firings likely from multiple rocket launch systems off North Korea’s west coast. Load More