Pyongyang boasted that it showed that North Korean scientists can now make warheads small enough to fit on a ballistic missile.
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“An additional test could be conducted in a tunnel that branches off from the second tunnel or in the third tunnel, where preparations have been completed”, said ministry spokesman Moon Sang-Gyun.
Pyongyang has mocked US-led drive for even tighter economic sanctions as “laughable” after the communist state carried out what it claimed was its fifth and biggest nuclear weapons test.
North Korea is banned by the United Nations from any tests of nuclear or missile technology and has been hit by five sets of United Nations sanctions since its first test in 2006.
Seoul also has a plan to “completely destroy” its neighbour if the latter shows any indication of launching a nuclear attack, BBC reported, citing South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
South Korea has long avoided harsh rhetoric against North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un but after Friday’s nuclear test, South Korean President Park Geun-hye said Kim’s “mental state is spiraling out of control” and that his government has “fanatic recklessness”.
A missile is launched during a drill at an undisclosed location in North Korea.
Friday’s nuclear test was denounced by the U.N. Security Council and officials said it would begin work immediately on a resolution, but according to The Wall Street Journal, it could take months.
“As we’ve made clear, measures to strengthen the national nuclear power in quality and quantity will continue to protect our dignity and right to live from augmented threats of nuclear war from the United States”, KCNA added.
North Korea was hit with the strongest set of sanctions yet in March which included the prohibition of supplying aviation fuel, including rocket fuel, and the sale of small arms, to Pyongyang.
“The U.S. stands resolutely with the Republic of Korea and continues its ironclad support”, Christopher Bush, a spokesman at the U.S. military command in South Korea. During a visit to Japan on Sunday, Sung Kim said the US will consider unilateral measures in addition to action at the U.N. Security Council, according to media reports.
Meanwhile, in a show of strength against North Korea, the United States will fly a USA military B-1B bomber flight over South Korea on Tuesday.
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In mid-August, Seoul announced its intention to significantly boost its arsenal of missiles to counter the growing military threat from North Korea. The U.S. military said some aircraft will be deployed Tuesday but declined to disclose what type or how many planes.
