North Korea successfully tests ICBM, Trump calls it "reckless"
North Korea claims it has successfully tested a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), calling it a "stern warning" for the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un the entire US was within striking range thanks to the test. The restrictive regime had also tested an ICBM three weeks ago. US President Donald Trump called the latest test a "reckless and dangerous action."
N.Korea tests a missile that can reach 'anywhere in world'
On July 3, North Korea said it had successfully tested a long-range nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It said the missile is capable of striking anywhere in the world. North Korean state television reported that the Hwasong-14 missile's launch was overseen by leader Kim Jong-Un. Earlier, the US military had said a North Korean ballistic missile had landed in the Sea of Japan.
US: Will use military force against North Korea if needed
On July 6, America said it will use its military forces against North Korea "if we must," in reaction to Pyongyang's ICBM launch. US ambassador Nikki Haley said during an emergency UN Security Council meeting that the ICBM represented a sharp military escalation that was "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution." The ICBM launch has been condemned by world leaders.
North Korean statement
North Korean state media confirmed that the Hwasong-14 ICBM, the same model tested on July 3, flew for just over 47 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,724km. The launch "successfully tested re-entry capabilities" of the missile.
Missile test reveals new launch site
North Korea's confirmation of the test came after reports that a missile had been launched into the sea off northern Japan. The US Pentagon said the missile was launched at 23:41 hrs from an arms plant in the country's northern Jagang province. It's unusual for the North to test missiles at night. No missiles have previously been launched from the Jagang site.
US/South Korea respond with military drills
The US and South Korean military responded to the North Korean missile test by conducting a live-firing exercise using surface-to-surface missiles. South Korea said it would speed up the deployment of the US-provided THAAD missile defense system.
Expert: ICBM could place New York City within range
The latest North Korean ICBM test travelled a longer and higher distance than the previous July 3 test, wrote Melissa Hanham, Senior Research Associate in the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. First available data from the launch suggest the missile might have an estimated range of 10,400km. This would put New York City within range of the ICBM.
North Korea making huge strides in nuclear missile technology
Experts believe that despite the North's ongoing tests, the regime lacks the capability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead and place it in a long-range missile. Many believe North Korean missiles are inaccurate. However, experts caution that at the rate at which Pyongyang is going, the regime may overcome these challenges to develop nuclear weapons capable of striking the US within 5-10 years.
