Seoul: North Korea said on Saturday it has carried out "another crucial test" at its satellite launch site and the results will be used to strengthen its "reliable strategic nuclear deterrent". The unspecified test took place from 10.41 pm to 10.48 pm on Friday night at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, better known as the Dongchang-ri site, Yonhap News Agency reported citing the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying.

It did not say what was tested. "The research successes being registered by us in defence science one after another recently will be applied to further bolstering up the reliable strategic nuclear deterrent," the KCNA said. "Our defence scientists were honoured to receive warm congratulations from the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on the spot," it added.