North Korea Confirms Missile Launch, Vows Strengthened Nuclear Capabilities

North Korea conducted a test-launch of short-range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, on Friday. According to South Korea's military and state media KCNA, the launch was ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to bolster the country's nuclear war deterrence. The missiles were equipped with a new autonomous navigation system and are part of a series of increasingly sophisticated tests conducted by North Korea in recent months.