North Korea has detained shipyard officials responsible for a recent major accident during the launch of a new warship, state media said. Chongjin shipyard's chief engineer, head of hull construction and an administrative affairs deputy manager were identified by state KCNA news agency as the three arrested by law enforcement for the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident.

Pyongyang has carried out frequent missile tests in violation of United Nations Security Council sanctions and continues to build out its nuclear weapons program. The Kim Jong Un regime insists both are necessary for self-defense, citing "provocations" by the U.S. and its allies.