North Korea plans new nuclear test

The top governing body has warned that the regime will defy the UN by conducting a third nuclear test, and made clear that its rockets are designed to carry not only satellites but also warheads aimed at striking the US.

The National Defence Commission, headed by the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, also denounced Tuesday’s UN Security Council resolution which condemned North Korea’s long-range rocket launch in December and expanded sanctions against the regime.

While experts say North Korea does not have the capability to hit the US with its missiles, recent tests and rhetoric indicate the country is working towards that goal. The commission pledged to keep launching rockets and said a nuclear test – the start of a “new phase” of combat with the US – was part of “upcoming” action but did not say when or where it would take place.