The North Korean regime spent two days conducting military exercises as part of an alleged simulation of a "nuclear counterattack" against the United States and South Korea and called on its nation to be prepared for an attack.
As reported by state media KCNA, the simulation featured the launch of a ballistic missile equipped with a nuclear warhead and was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
The media outlet said the weekend exercises were designed to boost the country's "war deterrence and nuclear counterattack capability" after the alleged attempts by the U.S. and South Korea to "explicitly attempt to trigger a war" against it.
"The drill also aimed to demonstrate our tougher will to make an actual war response and send a stronger warning to the enemy who expand their war drills for aggression,"the KCNA said.
The missile flew across the country and landed in the sea off its east coast, involving a journey of approximately 500 miles, according to assessments from Japan and South Korea.
"The nuclear force of the DPRK will strongly deter, control and manage the enemy's reckless moves and provocations with its high war readiness, and carry out its important mission without hesitation in case of any unwanted situation," Kim said.
NEW: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw Sunday's missile launch as part of 2 days of drills "simulating tactical nuclear attack," according to state media. A report Monday repeated that the launch should serve as another "warning" to the US and South Korea pic.twitter.com/E9e7dVYsB3
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) March 19, 2023
South Korea warns against Kim Jong-Un's advances
Following the North Korean regime's exercises, Japan, as well as South Korea and the U.S. Asia-Pacific Command condemned the launch. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff called the exercises a "serious provocation" in violation of UN sanctions.
Also, South Korea's Defense Ministry spokesman warned that Kim Jong-Un has been making significant technological advances in his nuclear program.
