North Korean leader Kim Jong-un boasted that a recently tested intercontinental ballistic missile is another “reliable and maximum-capacity” weapon to contain US military threats, state media reported on Saturday. The US responded to the launch by flying supersonic bombers in a show of force.

The North’s Korean Central News Agency said Kim oversaw the launch of the Hwasong-17 missile, a day after its neighbours said they had detected the launch of an ICBM that showed a potential to reach anywhere in the US. KCNA said Kim observed the launch with his wife Ri Sol Ju and their “beloved daughter” as well as senior officials.

State media photos showed Kim walking hand-in-hand with his daughter. It’s the first time North Korea has published a photo of Kim’s daughter. Observers say Kim observing a weapons launch with his family suggests that he is emboldened by his nuclear plans.