Kim vows to boost North Korea’s nuclear capability after observing ICBM launch

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what it says is the test-firing of a Hwasong-18 ICBM, at an undisclosed location in North Korea (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to further bolster his country’s nuclear fighting capabilities as he supervised the second test flight of a new, powerful intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the mainland United States, state media reported.

Mr Kim’s statement suggested North Korea would ramp up weapons testing activities to expand its arsenal in response to recent US steps to enhance its security commitment to ally South Korea.