North Korea claimed it conducted a successful test of a hypersonic missile. 

“A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People’s Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4,” a statement in North Korean state media said. “The drill was conducted as part of the operational evaluation of the sustainability, effectiveness, and operation of the DPRK’s war deterrent while evaluating the readiness of the hypersonic weapon system, verifying and confirming its capability for fulfilling mission and developing the missile soldiers’ firing capability.”

Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the missile test. “To be honest, our such activity is clearly aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a highly developed basis.” He continued, “The reason why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.”

The test was conducted shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. While Kim did not link the test to Maduro’s capture, the North Korean leader has often argued that Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal prevents the US from attempting an Iraq or Libya-style regime change.  

The North Korean Foreign Ministry denounced the US attack on Venezuela. “The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time.” The statement added,
“The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the U.S. hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela as the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty and as a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose.”

Sunday’s missile launch follows North Korea testing a long-range strategic cruise missile and a new anti-aircraft system late last year.