North Korea has recently carried out the testing of what they claim to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This action, which took place on Thursday, is seen as a demonstration of the nation’s resolve to face off against its adversaries and to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

Global worry is on the rise due to North Korea’s first ICBM test since the previous December, in combination with its recent dispatch of thousands of soldiers to assist Russia in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. This move has been warned by South Korea and its allies as an action that could dangerously escalate the current conflict.

The ICBM test has been met with strong condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the United States. This is just the latest in a series of actions by North Korea that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, aimed at halting the nation’s nuclear weapons development and its ability to transport them globally.

The ICBM was launched at a “lofted trajectory” from a location near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, and flew for a record 87 minutes, according to reports from the South Korean and Japanese militaries. The missile achieved a record height of over 7,000 kilometers and traveled around 1,000 km before landing in the sea near northwest Japan.

In a statement, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un explained that the missile test was a necessary military action in response to recent threats to the security of their nation. He further emphasized North Korea’s unwavering resolve to further strengthen its nuclear capabilities.

South Korea had previously warned that North Korea was prepared to test an ICBM, possibly timing the launch with the November 5 U.S. presidential election. In response to the launch, South Korea has announced plans to implement new sanctions on North Korea.

The test occurred just hours after the South Korean and U.S. defense chiefs criticized North Korea for recently deploying up to 11,000 soldiers to Russia.

The latest test by North Korea last December involved its most recent solid-fueled ICBM, the Hwasong-18.

The launch was met with strong criticism from Japan, with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani declaring the move as “totally unacceptable”.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett labeled the launch as a “flagrant violation” of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. He stated that the U.S. will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the U.S. and its allies in South Korea and Japan.

In addition to the ICBM test, South Korea has also warned that North Korea is prepared to test a nuclear device, possibly coinciding with the U.S. election. Since 2006, North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, with the most recent one occurring in 2017.