According to state news agency ‘KCNA’, the exercise took place to “warn enemies of the danger of a real nuclear war”. Pyongyang promised in a statement to strengthen military deterrence against Washington and Seoul. “The nuclear power of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will strengthen its counteractions in every possible way to prevent war and preserve peace and stability,” the statement said.
South Korean forces reported on Saturday that missiles had been fired towards the Yellow Sea. The launch followed joint military exercises between allies South Korea and the United States. Those eleven-day exercises under the name Ulchi freedom shield came to an end on Thursday. North Korea views the military exercises as preparation for an invasion. The allies themselves state that the exercises have a defensive purpose.
North Korea also responded earlier this week by firing two short-range missiles into the sea. According to North Korean media, this was also an exercise in which tactical nuclear attacks on South Korean targets were simulated.