North Korea has fired at least one ballistic missile into
the sea as it ramped up its defiance of tough UN and US sanctions. The weapon,
believed to be a medium-range Rodong-missile, flew about 800 km (500 miles)
before hitting the sea off its east coast, South Korean military reported.
the sea as it ramped up its defiance of tough UN and US sanctions. The weapon,
believed to be a medium-range Rodong-missile, flew about 800 km (500 miles)
before hitting the sea off its east coast, South Korean military reported.
If confirmed, it would mark North Korea’s first test of a
medium range missile, capable of reaching Japan, since 2014.
medium range missile, capable of reaching Japan, since 2014.
The launch comes amid heightened tension on the Korean
peninsula after the North rejected UN Security Council sanctions imposed
earlier in the month in response to a nuclear test conducted in January.
peninsula after the North rejected UN Security Council sanctions imposed
earlier in the month in response to a nuclear test conducted in January.
The United States also issued fresh sanctions against Kim
Jong-un’s country this week.
Jong-un’s country this week.
The missile was launched from north of the capital Friday
morning.
morning.
South Korea did not confirm the type of the missile, but 800
km was likely beyond the range of most short-rangemmissiles in the North’s
arsenal.
km was likely beyond the range of most short-rangemmissiles in the North’s
arsenal.
A US official said it appeared to be a medium-range missile
fired from a road-mobile launcher.
fired from a road-mobile launcher.
The US State Department said it was closely monitoring the
situation and urged North Korea to focus on taking concrete steps toward
fulfilling its international commitments and obligations.
situation and urged North Korea to focus on taking concrete steps toward
fulfilling its international commitments and obligations.
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