INTERNATIONAL: North Korea has deployed a relatively new inter-continental ballistic missile system in February 26 and March 4 test-firings, a senior Biden administration official has said on Thursday,March 10, calling it a serious escalation requiring a united global response.

The missile system was seen being unveiled at a parade in the capital Pyongyang in October 2020, with leader Kim Jong Un and other senior officials saluting, as the missiles were driven past crowds of flag waving onlookers.

The new system involved an "ICBM-capable platform" but did not demonstrate inter-continental ranges in the launches, which were likely meant to test elements of the system before a full-range launch, potentially disguised as a space launch, the U.S. official has revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity.

On Thursday, North Korean state media has quoted Kim Jong Un as saying that North Korea would launch a number of reconnaissance satellites in coming years to provide real-time information on military actions by the United States and its allies.