North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim

North Korea's state media said on Monday that the recent missile tests, including "tactical nuclear" exercises, were in retaliation for United States-led joint military operations in the region.

KCNA reported that the exercises were directed by leader Kim Jong Un over the previous two weeks and were carried out to send a clear message of war deterrent.

The state media also reported that the tests simulated striking military command facilities, main ports, and airports in the South.

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KCNA said: "The effectiveness and practical combat capability of our nuclear combat force were fully demonstrated as it stands completely ready to hit and destroy targets at any time from any location."

As quoted, Kim said, "Even though the enemy continues to talk about dialogue and negotiations, we do not have anything to talk about nor do we feel the need to do so."

North Korea's ruling Workers' Party decided to hold the drills as an unavoidable reaction to the massive mobilisation of South Korean and American naval assets, including an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine.

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As quoted by news agencies, Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said: "The statement they've released is crystal clear that this recent spate of tests was their way of signalling resolve to the United States and South Korea as they carried out military activities of their own."

The American carrier Ronald Reagan and its strike group took part in the naval drills. Before that, joint drills between the naval forces of the United States, Japan, and South Korea were also held.

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President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea's office responded to the North Korean announcement on Monday by saying that "it is vital to accurately identify the gravity of security challenges in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia to prepare appropriately."

Since the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, was ended by an armistice rather than a peace treaty, the U.S.-led UN forces are still formally at war with North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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