North Korea Launches “Most Powerful Piece” of Nuclear Arsenal, Sparking International Condemnation

North Korea has announced the successful test of a new long-range ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, which it claims is the “most powerful piece” of its growing nuclear arsenal. The test was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and was launched from an area near Pyongyang.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, the missile is designed to target the United States and its allies in Asia. The test is the latest in a series of missile launches since the start of the year, with more than 100 missiles having been fired into the sea.

Analysts have said that the test is a sign of North Korea’s continued efforts to build up its nuclear arsenal and enhance its counterattack capabilities in the face of what it perceives as growing external threats.

The test has been met with condemnation from the international community, with the United Nations Security Council condemning the launch and calling for North Korea to comply with its obligations under international law.

The United States has also expressed its concern over the test, with the White House issuing a statement saying that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and urging North Korea to “refrain from further provocations.”

The latest missile test has raised tensions in the region and has sparked fears of a further escalation in the ongoing nuclear standoff between North Korea and the international community.