Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) serves as a demonstration of the country’s “counteraction will” against its adversaries, whom he accused of heightening tensions in the region. This statement follows the South Korean military’s announcement that North Korea had fired an ICBM into the East Sea earlier in the day, marking its first such launch of the year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized that the test-fire represents a suitable military response aimed at informing their rivals of North Korea’s intent to counteract, especially those who have allegedly escalated the regional situation and threatened the security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Kim reiterated his commitment to strengthening the nation’s nuclear forces, reinforcing the stance that the DPRK will not waver in its nuclear development strategy.

In the same report, a spokesperson for North Korea’s defense ministry confirmed that t
he ICBM was test-fired under Kim’s directive. The Missile Administration was reported to have updated the records concerning North Korea’s strategic missile capabilities.