Meanwhile, they made phone calls with their masters U.S. and Japan, begging for "provocation deterrence based on the joint defense posture" and "maximum pressure".

Rodong Sinmun Monday in a commentary terms this an act of fools who failed to understand how the nation's dignity and sovereignty are defended and how the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula are guaranteed.

It goes on:

Through the successful test-fire of ICBM Hwasong-15, the DPRK clearly showed the world that no sanctions and blockade and military moves can keep it from advancing along the road of a nuclear power of Juche, and fully demonstrated its inexhaustible might capable of striking the whole mainland of the U.S.

The puppet forces' reckless confrontation with the DPRK will only add to the hatred of its army and people against them one hundred times and precipitate their miserable destruction.

Their seeking the confrontation with compatriots in the north in collusion with outside forces, turning their back on the nation, is no more than a foolish act of pricking their own eyes.