North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles during a nuclear counterstrike drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, in what state media said was a response to recent nuclear exercises by the United States and South Korea.

North Korea on Thursday fired various types of short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said, adding to a run in military displays that raised animosities in the region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery in a demonstration of Pyongyang's nuclear counterstrike capabilities, state-run media said Friday.