(Al Jazeera) North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un says his country plans to develop more powerful means of attack, days after its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch since 2017.
The statement published by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Monday suggests North Korea might perform additional launches or even test a nuclear device soon as it pushes to modernise its arsenal.
On Thursday, the country had its 12th round of weapons tests this year, launching the newly developed, long-range Hwasong-17, which analysts say is potentially able to deliver a nuclear warhead anywhere in the United States.
During a photo session with scientists and others involved in the Hwasong-17 test, Kim expressed a resolve to build up the country’s attack capability to cope with any threats, according to KCNA.
“Only when one is equipped with the formidable striking capabilities, overwhelming military power that cannot be stopped by anyone, one can prevent a war, guarantee the security of the country and contain and put under control all threats and blackmails by the imperialists,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
