North Korea conducts "nuclear drone" tests.

North Korea has conducted two weapons tests, both involving simulated nuclear strikes, and Seoul reported that the DPRK fired off multiple ballistic missiles into the sea, just hours before a US warship is set to arrive in South Korea. The tests come amid soaring tensions between Pyongyang, and Washington and Seoul, with the US leading a flurry of major military drills in the region. North Korea has carried out a record number of weapons tests, including several intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), drawing condemnation from the US. During a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed the need to "qualitatively strengthen the DPRK's nuclear forces" and said he had reviewed the prepared nuclear counterattack operation plan. South Korea's military detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired from the DPRK's North Hwanghae province, but landed outside the country's exclusive economic zone. The South Korean military said it will keep a close eye on North Korea's activities and maintain a firm readiness posture based on the capability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations.