After a massive show of strength by the North Korean army while showcasing its “nuclear attack capability", the US Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from California to exhibit its muscle power.

The launch also comes at a crucial juncture when US and China relations suffered a massive diplomatic blow in view of the Chinese "spy" balloon.

The balloon entered the US skies, provoking Washington to condemn Beijing and vow action against the PLA-linked entities linked to it.

US base on Friday said the test was carried out at 11:01 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Terming it a routine activity, the US cleared air saying that the launch was only meant to demonstrate that the United States’ "nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective."

Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, said, "A test launch displays the heart of our deterrence mission on the world’s stage,

assuring our nation and its allies that our weapons are capable and our Airmen are ready and willing to defend peace across the globe at a moment's notice."

Giving further details on the launch, US Air Force said the ICBM's test re-entry vehicle travelled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.