North Korean state media reported on Tuesday that leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the "test launch" of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of the Hwasong-18 type, as part of an exercise to confirm the war readiness of Pyongyang's nuclear deterrent forces.
The official news agency stated, "The test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-18 was carried out as a significant military operation to clearly demonstrate to the enemies the overwhelming desire of the strategic nuclear forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and their unparalleled strength."
The agency quoted Kim as saying that this test sent a "clear signal to the hostile powers that are fanning the flames of their reckless military confrontation hysteria against North Korea throughout the year."
Seoul had stated on Monday that the missile launched by Pyongyang is an intercontinental ballistic missile powered by solid fuel, a technology that allows easier transport and faster launch of missiles compared to those powered by liquid fuel.
The test conducted by North Korea is the third in which the nuclear state has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile operating on solid fuel, following a first trial in April and a second in July of last year.
South Korea, Japan, and the United States have condemned the launch as a blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the council is expected to convene today at the request of Washington and other countries to discuss the launch.
It is noted that Pyongyang, two days ago, denounced the U.S. military power showcase, which included the arrival of an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine to South Korea, labeling them as "war moves" and launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its eastern coast.
