North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested&nbsp;a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)&nbsp;Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability. According to state media, North Korea warned of causing "extreme uneasiness and horror" to enemies.

"The development of the new-type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 will extensively reform the strategic deterrence components of the DPRK, radically promote the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack posture and bring about a change in the practicality of its offensive military strategy," said a report by the&nbsp;KCNA news agency.&nbsp;

The purpose of the test launch was to confirm&nbsp;the performance of the high-power solid-fuel multi-stage engines, the stage separation technology, and the reliability of the control systems with different functions, and to evaluate the military effectiveness of the new strategic weapons system.&nbsp;

Photographs released by state media showed supreme leader Kim Jong Un- accompanied by his daughter watching the missile blast off in a cloud of smoke, and smiling in jubilation after the purportedly successful launch.

Kim said the new weapon would greatly recognise North Korea's&nbsp;strategic deterrence and reinforce the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack, the KCNA reported.&nbsp;

"We will strike with deadly force and respond aggressively until the enemy gives up its idle strategy and foolish behaviour and so that it will suffer in endless fear," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-ballistic-missile-japan-tells-residents-in-hokkaido-to-take-shelter-581893">South Korea had said that North Korea&nbsp;likely tested</a> a new type of ballistic missile, with the launch briefly triggering an evacuation order in parts of Japan.

In recent months, Pyongyang has criticised the&nbsp;US-South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;joint military exercises as escalating tensions and has stepped up weapons tests.&nbsp;

The latest launch comes days after&nbsp;Kim called for strengthening war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;called moves of aggression by Washington.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability.

North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability. According to state media, North Korea warned of causing "extreme uneasiness and horror" to enemies. "The development of the new-type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 will extensively reform the strategic deterrence components of the DPRK, radically promote the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack posture and bring about a change in the practicality of its offensive military strategy," said a report by the KCNA news agency. The purpose of the test launch was to confirm the performance of the high-power solid-fuel multi-stage engines, the stage separation technology, and the reliability of the control systems with different functions, and to evaluate the military effectiveness of the new strategic weapons system. Photographs released by state media showed supreme leader Kim Jong Un- accompanied by his daughter watching the missile blast off in a cloud of smoke, and smiling in jubilation after the purportedly successful launch. Kim said the new weapon would greatly recognise North Korea's strategic deterrence and reinforce the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack, the KCNA reported. "We will strike with deadly force and respond aggressively until the enemy gives up its idle strategy and foolish behaviour and so that it will suffer in endless fear," he added. South Korea had said that North Korea likely tested a new type of ballistic missile, with the launch briefly triggering an evacuation order in parts of Japan. In recent months, Pyongyang has criticised the US-South Korea joint military exercises as escalating tensions and has stepped up weapons tests. The latest launch comes days after Kim called for strengthening war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what North Korea called moves of aggression by Washington. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea tests ‘most powerful’ missile, warns enemies of ‘extreme uneasiness and horror’

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-o-panneerselvams-brother-sacked-from-aiadmk-for-anti-party-185356"> O Pannerselvam’s brother</a>, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-dmk-protest-over-cauvery-rajya-sabha-adjourned-till-230-pm-185646">the AIADMK</a> following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.&nbsp;

However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here.

O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him.

“If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here.

He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also.

Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added.

“This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said.

Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.”

However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party.

Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative.

“Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said.

The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome.

Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday. However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here. O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him. “If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here. He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also. Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added. “This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said. Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.” However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party. Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative. “Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said. The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome. Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Post ICBM test, US and Asian allies impose new sanctions on North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will maintain its military buildup while asserting that his regime could "preemptively" use nuclear weapons, reports said.

The country's state-run KCNA news media reported Kim told officers that "absolute superiority" should be maintained for North Korean forces and it should "preemptively and thoroughly contain and frustrate all dangerous attempts and threatening moves."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-will-annihilate-south-with-nukes-if-provoked-warns-king-jong-uns-sister-468463">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/north-korea-will-annihilate-south-with-nukes-if-provoked-warns-king-jong-uns-sister-468463" hreflang="en">North Korea will ‘annihilate’ South with nukes if provoked, warns King Jong-un’s sister</a>

North Korea had tested a series of missiles at the beginning of the year surprising experts. Kim once again threatened to use atomic weapons if the country's &nbsp;"fundamental interests" were hurt.

The North Korean leader's comment comes even as the Biden administration said it is ready for talks to end Kim's nuclear programme. However, it said there is an "obligation" to address the recent "provocations" including "two recent ICBM launches."

Watch:&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;vows to bolster nuclear weapons

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Reports claim the US is set to tighten restrictions against North Korea with new sanctions on importing oil and export of fuel. However, China and Russia have so far not discussed the proposal at the Security Council.

Reports claim North Korea may be preparing a nuclear test as Kim this week reviewed North Korea's latest missiles during a parade including the intercontinental ballistic missile the Hwasong-17 missile.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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&lt;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will maintain its military buildup while asserting that his regime could "preemptively" use nuclear weapons, reports said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will maintain its military buildup while asserting that his regime could "preemptively" use nuclear weapons, reports said. The country's state-run KCNA news media reported Kim told officers that "absolute superiority" should be maintained for North Korean forces and it should "preemptively and thoroughly contain and frustrate all dangerous attempts and threatening moves." Also Read: North Korea will ‘annihilate’ South with nukes if provoked, warns King Jong-un’s sister North Korea had tested a series of missiles at the beginning of the year surprising experts. Kim once again threatened to use atomic weapons if the country's "fundamental interests" were hurt. The North Korean leader's comment comes even as the Biden administration said it is ready for talks to end Kim's nuclear programme. However, it said there is an "obligation" to address the recent "provocations" including "two recent ICBM launches." Watch: Kim vows to bolster nuclear weapons Reports claim the US is set to tighten restrictions against North Korea with new sanctions on importing oil and export of fuel. However, China and Russia have so far not discussed the proposal at the Security Council. Reports claim North Korea may be preparing a nuclear test as Kim this week reviewed North Korea's latest missiles during a parade including the intercontinental ballistic missile the Hwasong-17 missile. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here <

North Korean leader threatens to 'preemptively' use nuclear weapons

After North Korea announced it had launched the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, South Korea's military however claimed it&nbsp;"faked" the launch of the "monster missile".

North Korea claimed it had successfully test-fired the long-range Hwasong-17 ICBM capable of carrying multiple warheads. North Korea had unveiled the missile during a military parade in 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korea-tests-new-icbm-465382">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What is new ICBM tested by North Korea giving sleepless nights to US</a>

South Korean and US officials had earlier said that the March 24 launch appeared to be the Hwasong-15 ICBM. Kim's regime had first test-fired the Hwasong-15 in 2017 as it introduced a moratorium on ICBM testing.

The missile repeatedly flew for 67.5 minutes to a range of 1,090 km at an altitude of 6,248.5 km. South Korea reportedly said North Korea may have modified the Hwasong-15 missile.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea tests massive ballistic missile

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US officials said North Korea may have "more in store" as far as missile launches are concerned. Multiple warheads allow a missile to evade missile defence systems. However, the US condemned the launch at the UN Security Council raising "destabilizing" risks.

It is North Korea's largest largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile launch. In retaliation, South Korea fired a string of missiles in the Sea of Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hypersonics-to-cruise-missiles-north-koreas-long-range-ballistic-missile-technology-461354">Also Read |&nbsp;From hypersonics to cruise missiles: North Korea's long-range ballistic missile technology</a>

Japan said North Korea's new missile appeared to fly 71 minutes and landed in its territorial waters.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After North Korea announced it had launched the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, South Korea's military however claimed it "faked" the launch of the "monster missile".

After North Korea announced it had launched the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, South Korea's military however claimed it "faked" the launch of the "monster missile". North Korea claimed it had successfully test-fired the long-range Hwasong-17 ICBM capable of carrying multiple warheads. North Korea had unveiled the missile during a military parade in 2020. Also Read in Pics: What is new ICBM tested by North Korea giving sleepless nights to US South Korean and US officials had earlier said that the March 24 launch appeared to be the Hwasong-15 ICBM. Kim's regime had first test-fired the Hwasong-15 in 2017 as it introduced a moratorium on ICBM testing. The missile repeatedly flew for 67.5 minutes to a range of 1,090 km at an altitude of 6,248.5 km. South Korea reportedly said North Korea may have modified the Hwasong-15 missile. Watch: North Korea tests massive ballistic missile US officials said North Korea may have "more in store" as far as missile launches are concerned. Multiple warheads allow a missile to evade missile defence systems. However, the US condemned the launch at the UN Security Council raising "destabilizing" risks. It is North Korea's largest largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile launch. In retaliation, South Korea fired a string of missiles in the Sea of Japan. Also Read | From hypersonics to cruise missiles: North Korea's long-range ballistic missile technology Japan said North Korea's new missile appeared to fly 71 minutes and landed in its territorial waters. (With inputs from Agencies)

Did North Korea 'fake' missile launch?

North Korea leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-launches-campaign-to-attain-goals-332795">Kim Jong-un</a> unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday.

Watch:

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During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/not-a-single-person-with-virus-north-korea-conducts-pre-dawn-military-parade-334287">In Pics:&nbsp;'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade</a>

According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile.&nbsp;

"If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added.

"I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech.

The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade.

Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past.

In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over.

North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a giant new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade on Saturday. Watch: During the speech, Kim said: "We will continue to strengthen our military for self-defence and deterrence.". The North Korean leader said that "not a single person" had contracted the virus in the country. In Pics: 'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade According to experts, the ICBM is one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. North Korea also displayed the Hwasong-15 long-range missile. "If we don't have our own strength, the only thing we have to do is to wipe the streaming tears and blood though our fists are clenched," he added. "I wish good health to all the people around the world who are fighting the ills of the evil virus," Kim said in his speech. The North Korean leader dressed in grey suit waived as he addressed the parade with his generals and several thousand spectators watching the parade. Kim spoke for nearly half an hour as he displayed a wide range of emotions shedding tears while thanking his troops and smiling confidently when tanks and fighter jets flew past. In a diplomatic gesture, the North Korean leader said he hoped that North and South Korea would join hands again once the coronavirus crisis is over. North Korea's chief ally China headed by President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea.

North Korea unveils giant ICBM during pre-dawn military parade

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday&#39;s ICBM test had made &quot;the world a more dangerous place&quot;.

But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days.

&quot;Make no mistake, North Korea&#39;s launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation,&quot; Haley warned.

Hailey added that Pyongyang&#39;s actions were &quot;quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution&quot;.

In response to North Korea&rsquo;s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday.

&quot;The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies,&quot; Haley said.

&quot;One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction.&quot;

Hailey said the US&rsquo; focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions.

But everyone didn&rsquo;t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that &ldquo;sanctions will not resolve the issue&rdquo;.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing&#39;s alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea&#39;s missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. &nbsp;

&quot;China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard,&quot; Liu said.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea said Tuesday's ICBM test had made 'the world a more dangerous place'

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises. At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday's ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place". But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days. "Make no mistake, North Korea's launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation," Haley warned. Hailey added that Pyongyang's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution". In response to North Korea’s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday. "The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies," Haley said. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction." Hailey said the US’ focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions. But everyone didn’t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that “sanctions will not resolve the issue”. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing's alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. "China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Liu said.

Will use military force on North Korea if we must: US