North Korea condemns US failed nuclear missile launch

North Korea has condemned the US military's failed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, warning of a "strong" response to the Pentagon's "provocative and reckless" actions on the Korean peninsula.

Earlier, on November 1, the US test-fired a Minuteman III missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead at the Vandenberg Space Force base in California. However, the US Air Force said it was forced to shoot down the missile due to detecting "unidentified anomalies".

A US Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during a test at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, in 2018. (Photo: US Air Force)

On November 3, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published an article commenting on the incident, emphasizing: "The recent and ongoing military moves against North Korea by the US... are extremely provocative and reckless actions, increasing military tensions on the Korean peninsula."

The article added that North Korea was prepared for an “immediate, strong and decisive response.”

KCNA also criticized the recent US deployment of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to South Korea, saying Washington's “action to bolster nuclear weapons” was a “dangerous attempt to achieve military hegemony.”

Reporting on the recent Minuteman III ICBM test, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said the launch "demonstrated the capability and reliability of the US strategic deterrent system, and sent a clear message of US commitment to its allies."

Although the test failed, it provided “important data” and helped the US Air Force “learn from each test launch,” according to Pentagon officials.

Officials also stressed that such tests ensure the “reliability and accuracy” of the aging Minuteman III, a version first used in 1970 but still the main land-based weapon in the US nuclear triad.

Earlier this year, US President Joe Biden said the Pentagon would increase the “permanent presence” of strategic military assets on the Korean peninsula to increase “deterrence” against Pyongyang.

Following the announcement, the Pentagon dispatched a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine to South Korea for the first time since 1981, which also drew strong condemnation from North Korea.

Last September, Pyongyang passed a law allowing for "automatic and immediate" pre-emptive nuclear strikes against hostile forces if it determines it is about to be attacked with nuclear weapons or against the country's "strategic targets."

Kim Jong-un then declared North Korea's nuclear weapons status "irreversible".

Hoa Vu (Source: actualidad.rt.com)

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