North Korea confirms its recent missile tests have been 'simulations' for nuclear weapon strikes

"Through seven times of launching drills of the tactical nuclear operation units, the actual war capabilities … of the nuclear combat forces ready to hit and wipe out the set objects at any location and any time were displayed to the full," the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said, as per AP.

The news outlet stated launches were all supervised by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and included a nuclear-capable ballistic missile launched under a reservoir in the northeast; other ballistic missiles designed to launch nuclear strikes on South Korean airfields, ports and command facilities; and a new-type ground-to-ground ballistic missile that flew over Japan.

The North Korean leader said the missile drills were designed to flaunt his nation's nuclear attack capabilities and as 'an obvious warning' to Seoul and Washington, KCNA reported as per AP.

Kim Jong-un said, as per KCNA and AP: "The US and the South Korean regime’s steady, intentional and irresponsible acts of escalating the tension will only invite our greater reaction, and we are always and strictly watching the situation crisis."

The leader added that his military would maintain 'their strongest nuclear response posture and further strengthen it in every way' to defend his nation's dignity and sovereign rights.

The denuclearisation update comes after recent concerns after North Korea passed new laws that authorise the nation to launch preemptive use of its bombs in certain cases, AP reports.

Reuters reports the US announced new sanctions on October 7 in response to North Korea's recent missile launches.