North Korea has test-fired a brand new weapons system that it claims will increase the nation's nuclear weapons capabilities, the state-run Korean Central Information Company (KCNA) reported early Sunday native time.

The check launch was noticed underneath the supervision of North Korean chief Kim Jong Un and commanded by the protection ministry, in accordance with KCNA.

"The brand new-type tactical guided weapon system...is of nice significance in drastically enhancing the firepower of the frontline long-range artillery models and enhancing the effectivity within the operation of tactical nukes of the DPRK," the information outlet stated. DPRK stands for North Korea's official identify, the Democratic Folks's Republic of Korea.

"The test-firing proved profitable," it added.

KCNA didn't say when the newest launch passed off, however state media usually studies on such actions a day later, Reuters famous.

Kim Jong Un - North Korea nukes
North Korea stated Sunday native time that it test-fired a brand new weapons system that can improve its nuclear capabilities. Right here, North Korean chief Kim Jong Un is seen in Hanoi on March 1, 2019.MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Pictures

The launch comes simply weeks after the North fresumed testing of its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) for the primary time since 2017. Final month, the U.S. and South Korea alleged that the nation had not too long ago carried out two ICBM launches in an effort to gauge whether or not the missiles might launch far sufficient to strike wherever within the U.S.

The Pentagon shortly condemned the launches, which had been carried out on February 16 and March 4, calling them a "critical escalation by the DPRK."

​​"The US strongly condemns these launches, that are a brazen violation of a number of United Nations Safety Council resolutions, needlessly increase tensions and threat destabilizing the safety scenario within the area," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby stated in a press release.

Across the similar time, satellite tv for pc imagery appeared to point out new development on the nation's Punggye-ri nuclear facility for the primary time since Kim Jong Un promised to shut the positioning in 2018. U.S. and South Korean officers warned that the nation might quickly resume nuclear weapons testing, however stated the pictures confirmed "very early indicators of exercise," in accordance with BBC.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command responded to these studies by ordering intensified surveillance for exercise within the Yellow Sea, in addition to "enhanced readiness" for U.S. ballistic missile protection forces within the area, Newsweek beforehand famous.

South Korea additionally responded to the North's ICBM assessments by saying it might be able to launch preemptive strikes whether it is decided that North Korea is planning its personal assaults. These remarks prompted Kim Jon Un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, to lash out towards South Korea, warning that the nation might face a "critical menace" if it continues to make "reckless" remarks.

On Sunday, KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un ordered the nation to proceed strengthening its weapons effectivity and nuclear choices following its newest launch.

"Clarifying the long run plan of the Celebration Central Committee for growing the protection capabilities, he gave vital directions on additional strengthening the protection capability and nuclear fight forces of the nation," the state-run outlet wrote.

Newsweek contacted the Pentagon for extra remark.