North Korea missile launch was simulation for ‘scorched earth’ nuclear strike & invasion as Kim rages against US
NORTH Korea fired two missiles in a simulation for a "scorched earth" nuclear strike on targets across South Korea.
Despot Kim Jong-un staged the chilling test in a warning to the US - which hours earlier sent out bomber jets.
State media spelled out in unusual detail how the hermit kingdom envisions a potential war.
The drill rehearsed countering an attack by striking the South with nuclear weapons, then sweeping in to occupy its territory.
North Korea's People's Army (KPA) said "simultaneous super-intense strikes" would also target military command centres, ports, operational airfields and other targets in South Korea.
As part of the "tactical nuclear strike drill simulating scorched earth strikes", the nuclear-armed country fired two missiles late on Wednesday.
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The army added the drill was "aimed to send a clear message to the enemies" who "challenge us with such military threats as the deployment of strategic nuclear assets despite our repeated warnings."
Kim ordered the drill in retaliation for joint drills held by Japan, South Korea and the US.
As tensions continue to boil, the three allies have stepped up responses to threats from North Korea and are preparing to wrap up 11 days of war games.
Kim has repeatedly slammed the annual drills as invasion rehearsals, despite the nations insisting the exercises are defensive amid his constant missile tests.
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Hours before the tyrant launched two missiles, the US sent out B-1B bombers for joint drills with South Korea and Japan in a show of force.
A US B-1B flew alongside South Korean FA-50 jets and US Air Force F-16 fighters as part of ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises on Wednesday, South Korea's defence ministry said.
And two US Air Force B-1Bs joined joint drills with 12 Japanese fighters, including four F-15 jets, according to Japan's defence ministry.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said: "Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional provocations, and is maintaining full readiness through close cooperation between Korea and the United States."
Alongside a series of missile tests, Kim has also flexed North Korea's military muscle at the West by showcasing his new ballistic missiles and drones.
The tyrant watched on late last month as the terrifying weapons were flaunted in a mighty military parade in Pyongyang.
Kim stood shoulder to shoulder with Chinese and Russian officials as they reviewed his newest nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones in the capital.
New attack and spy drones were also flown overhead in a show of strength, the KCNA state news agency reported.
The parade is also understood to have included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles.
They are believed to have the range to strike anywhere in the US.
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And in a speech at the parade, North Korean Defence Minister General Kang Sun Nam accused the US and its allies of increasing tension in the region.
Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has carried out more than 100 weapons tests - many of them involving nuclear-capable missiles designed to strike the US, South Korea and Japan.