ANKARA

A defiant North Korea on Monday fired two more missiles from its latest launcher, marking its second weapons test in the last 48 hours.

The latest launch shows capability of a “tactical nuclear attack that can take out entire enemy air bases,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

On Saturday, North Korea fired intercontinental ballistic missiles that landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

In a quick response, Seoul and Washington staged joint air drills on Sunday, which included a strategic bomber and stealth fighter jets.

Blaming Washington and Seoul for the “deteriorating” security situation, Pyongyang said: “Through today’s firing drill with the involvement of super-large multiple rocket launchers, the tactical nuclear attack means, the KPA (Korean People’s Army) demonstrated its full readiness to deter and will to counter the joint air drills.”

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said her country is closely monitoring Washington and Seoul’s moves in the region, according to KCNA.

She warned of a “corresponding counteraction” if North Korea deemed such moves a threat.

Serious provocation

Describing North Korea’s actions as “a serious provocation,” South Korea said its military detected the launch of two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday between 7 a.m. and 7.11 a.m. (2200GMT and 2211GMT Sunday).

The first traveled 390 kilometers (242 miles) and the other 340 kilometers (211 miles) before landing in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the statement added.