North Korea announced on Friday that leader Kim Jong-un oversaw drills simulating nuclear counterattack strikes against Seoul and Washington.
This announcement follows missile tests conducted by North Korea, which, according to Seoul, involved “various types” of short-range ballistic missiles.
The South Korean military suggested that these missile launches could be connected to North Korea’s arms exports to Russia.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that the exercises included a missile system and a tactical ballistic missile.
According to the agency, the maneuvers featured detailed training on “procedures and operations for rapidly transitioning to a counter-nuclear attack posture.”
The agency stated that the training objectives were achieved and confirmed the reliability of a command and mobilization system capable of responding quickly to any nuclear crisis.
North Korea is currently under United Nations sanctions due to its nuclear program, which prohibits the country from possessing ballistic missiles.
These drills come shortly after Kim Jong-un ordered a acceleration of nuclear armament for his naval forces.
North Korea maintains that its nuclear capabilities are essential for deterrence against what it perceives as “aggressive” maneuvers conducted by Washington and Seoul.
In April, North Korea revealed a 5,000-ton destroyer named “Choi Hyun,” with some analysts speculating that it could be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles.
Technically, the two Koreas remain in a state of war since the conflict from 1950 to 1953 concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at their lowest point in years. Last year, North Korea launched a number of ballistic missiles, clearly violating UN sanctions.