Fears of a nuclear measure that shakes the world.. the North Korean leader orders the army to enhance its capabilities

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a boost to the country's defense capabilities, amid fears his country may conduct a nuclear test.

This came as he wrapped up a key ruling party meeting with top military officials, with speculation growing that Pyongyang may conduct another underground nuclear test after its first nuclear test in five years, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

US and South Korean officials said Pyongyang could conduct its first nuclear test "at any time".

KCNA said Friday that Kim chaired the three-day expanded meeting of the Eighth Central Military Commission that ended Thursday, where senior officials discussed and agreed "on an important issue related to providing a military guarantee to strengthen the country's deterrence force during wars."

North Korea also decided to complete the tasks of the front-line forces' operations with an "important military action plan," according to the agency.

The IAEA report did not directly refer to North Korea's nuclear or ballistic missile program, but said that Ri Pyong-chul, who leads the country's missile development, was elected vice-chairman of the party's Central Military Commission.

"He (Kim) stressed the need for the entire military, to strengthen strong self-defense capabilities in every way to defeat any hostile forces and thus protect the dignity of the great country and the security of its great people," the agency said.

North Korea has previously hinted at deploying tactical nuclear weapons to front-line artillery units.

After it test-fired a new tactical guided weapon in April, it stated that the weapon was of "great importance" in "enhancing the operational efficiency of North Korea's tactical nuclear bombs and diversifying firepower missions."

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