Baghdad: The US Navy tested intercontinental ballistic missiles off the state of Florida, stressing that such tests occur periodically and are not "linked to specific global events."

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the United States conducted a test launch of Trident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles from a submarine off the coast of Florida, amid rising tensions with Venezuela. An official statement issued by the US Navy today stated that the training, conducted from September 17 to 21, included four "scheduled" missile launches off the east coast of Florida.

The statement added that the test launch was visible on Sunday night from Puerto Rico, where one of the test launches lit up the night sky. The US military also confirmed that these exercises aim to demonstrate the "readiness and reliability" of its strategic arsenal, noting that the missiles were launched from an underwater submarine and landed in a wide sea area in the Atlantic Ocean.

It further mentioned that pilots and sailors were notified in advance to stay out of the area where the tests were taking place, as part of safety requirements. Vice Admiral Johnny Wolf, director of Strategic Systems Programs at the Navy, the command responsible for the Navy's strategic weapons, emphasized the importance of these tests. He stated, "Our nation's submarine-launched ballistic missile system has been a core component of our national security since the 1960s, and these missiles continue to demonstrate the credibility and reliability of our strategic deterrent capabilities."