North Korea accuses US of increasing aerial espionage after its nuclear test

North Korea claimed Tuesday that the United States, "scared" by the North's nuclear test, conducted about 200 spy flights against the communist country in October.

"The ... aerial espionage underscores the need for the army and the people of the (North Korea) to bolster the war deterrent for self-defense in every way to foil the U.S. imperialists' moves for a war of aggression," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

The KCNA report, citing a "military source," said the U.S., "much scared by the successful nuclear test for self-defense conducted" by the North, mobilized strategic and tactical reconnaissance planes including a plane for detecting nuclear tests to spy on the country.

It said the number of alleged U.S. spy flights was 20 higher than October last year.

North Korea has been under U.S. scrutiny over its missile and nuclear programs.

The country conducted its first-ever nuclear test on Oct. 9 and there are concerns that the country may be preparing a second test.

In July, the North also test-fired a series of missiles in defiance of international warnings, reports AP.

North Korea routinely says the U.S. conducts aerial espionage, issuing a tally of such flights at the end of every month. The U.S. military doesn't comment, but acknowledges monitoring the North's military activity.