Kim Jong-un Warns North Korea Not to Hesitate to Carry Out a Nuclear Attack If Provoked by Similar Weapons

Kim Jong-un watched the test launch of North Korea's Hwasong-18 ICBM on Monday. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned that Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if an enemy provokes them with nuclear weapons, state media reported on Thursday.

Leader Kim made the remarks while meeting soldiers under the military's missile bureau regarding a recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch exercise, the KCNA news agency reported.

"He (Kim) said that the firm military activities carried out by the company this time were a clear explanation of the counterattack mode and the evolution of nuclear strategy, as well as the DPRK's doctrine of not hesitating even in the event of a nuclear attack, when the enemy provokes it with nuclear weapons," reported KCNA, reported by Reuters, December 21.

North Korea said on Tuesday it had tested its newest ICBM on Monday to gauge the war preparedness of its nuclear forces in anticipation of escalating hostility from the United States, a move that drew condemnation from Washington and its allies.

Leader Kim said Monday's launch demonstrated the military's high mobility and rapid strike capabilities, calling for efforts to further strengthen its combat efficiency.

In a separate statement, North Korean leader Kim Yo-jong's sister criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for holding a meeting regarding the ICBM launch, saying the launch was an exercise of the country's right to self-defense.

"The UNSC must take great responsibility for the irresponsible behavior and actions of the US and South Korea, which have exacerbated tensions on the Korean Peninsula through all kinds of military provocations throughout the year," he criticized.