People watch a TV showing a file image of North Korea's missile at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, March 24, 2022 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The move came after North Korea fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in over four years.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook agreed on the need to take firm actions against North Korea's latest ballistic missile test, calling it a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Austin also talked by phone with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi.  

The test launch of a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile, called Hwasongpho-17, by DPRK strategic forces was conducted on Thursday under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday. 

The missile, launched at Pyongyang International Airport, flew to a maximum altitude of 6,248m and traveled a distance of 1,090 km in 67.5 minutes before accurately hitting its target area in open waters, KCNA said.

Kim says the new weapon will "creditably perform its mission and duty as a powerful nuclear war deterrent," according to KCNA.