North Korea slammed the U.S. for testing a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this week, threatening “military counteraction” in response.

“This ICBM test is part of our regular military activities, and it shows that the U.S. nuclear deterrence is effective and reliable for responding to threats in the 21st century, as well as demonstrating the security of the alliance and the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces,” SSP Faculty Vipin Narang, Heo’s counterpart at the Pentagon stated, according to the ROK defense ministry.