Kim Jong Un tests submarine missiles, Iran denies attack involvement, and bullfighting resumes in Mexico amid protests

• Reuters reports, citing North Korean state media, that Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of new strategic submarine missiles. On Monday, these tests aim to enhance the navy's nuclear armament, reports the state news agency, KCNA. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw a missile test dubbed "Pulhwasal-3-31." Local media stated the missiles were airborne over the sea off North Korea's east coast for more than 123 minutes, eventually hitting an unidentified target on an island. As a result, the flight time exceeded two hours. Kim Jong Un hailed the test as a success, noting its "strategic significance for the realization of military modernization plans, the ultimate goal being to construct a potent naval force." KCNA further announced this.

• Reuters, citing Iranian news agency IRNA, reports that Iran denies any involvement in the attack in Jordan where American soldiers were killed. Iran's mission to the United Nations asserted on Monday that Tehran played no role in the attack near Syria's border in northeast Jordan, resulting in the death of three American soldiers. "Iran was not involved in the attack on the American base(...). There is an existing tension between US forces and regional resistant groups, characterized by retaliatory attacks," they declared. US President Joe Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed groups and promised reprisals.

• India is distancing itself from Russian weaponry, Reuters reports, citing Indian sources. As the war in Ukraine limits Russia's ability to provide ammunition and spare parts, India is attempting to part ways with its largest weapons supplier. Unidentified government sources informed Reuters that India plans to proceed tactfully to avoid drawing Moscow closer to Beijing. Russia, however, is publicly wooing India to fortify defense ties. Experts and officials reveal that Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is emphasizing local production employing Western technologies.

• Associated Press reports that despite protests, bullfighting has resumed in Mexico. Bullfighting resumed in Mexico City on Sunday amidst protests from several hundred activists outside the arena. Demonstrators chanted phrases like 'Murderers!' and 'The square will fall!'. Banners with slogans such as 'Bullfighting is sadism' and 'Sadism masquerading as culture, sport, and tradition' were also seen. Guillermo Sánchez, a quoted activist, questioned why bullfighting was permitted to return despite ample evidence of animal harm. The Mexican Supreme Court, in December, overruled a local judgment suspending fights for a year and a half.

Source: Reuters, AP