Tensions are expected to rise further in the coming week in the Korean Peninsula as South Korea and the United States launch a massive air force drill mobilising some 230 aircraft including six US F-22 Raptor stealth jet fighters.
The show of air power follows the mass celebrations by North Korea for its latest successful long-range missile test.
Pyongyangâs state media Saturday reported a propaganda-filled display of fireworks and dancing in public squares.
The ruling Workers Party official daily Rodong Sinmun covered its front page with colour photographs showing thousands of tightly packed soldiers and people applauding in Pyongyangâs Kim Il-Sung square, which was decorated with large portraits of the Northâs late leaders.
âWe heartily celebrate the successful test launch of the Hwasong-15 which showed Chosun (North Korea)âs power and greatness to the whole worldâ, read one banner held up by the crowd, referring to the missile.
North Korea on Wednesday successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong-Un declaring his country had now achieved full nuclear statehood.
The US in response warned that Kim Jong-Unâs regime would be âutterly destroyedâ if its pursuit of a long-range nuclear missile arsenal provokes a military clash, and has battled to maintain international solidarity in the face of North Koreaâs nuclear threat.
Kim himself was absent from the celebrations â he usually stays away from such events â but Fridayâs gathering drew key military, party and government leaders.
âLong Live the General Kim Jong-Un who has brought us the great historic cause of nuclear statehoodâ, another banner said.
Vice Chairman Pak Kwang-Ho of the partyâs decision-making Central Committee told the crowd that, after Wednesdayâs test launch, ânow no one can infringe our sovereignty and rights to survive and developâ, according to the daily.
He said that the United States had been âjoltedâ at the strengthening of North Koreaâs nuclear force and could attempt to commit ârobber-likeâ provocative acts.
He repeated Kimâs warning that the North would respond with the âhighest level of hard-line countermeasure in historyâ.
Kim first made the threat in September in response to US President Donald Trumpâs UN speech threatening to destroy the North and mocking him as âLittle Rocket Manâ.
The ICBM Hwasong-15 type weaponry system used in Wednesdayâs test is an intercontinental ballistic rocket tipped with super-large heavy warhead capable of striking the whole mainland of the US, the North said.
But analysts remain unconvinced that the North has mastered the technology required to launch and direct a missile, and ensure it survives the difficult re-entry into the Earthâs atmosphere.
