The North’s missile tests raise concerns about advances made in the North’s nuclear and missile program as Pyongyang is seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting targets on the US mainland. North Korea, however, considers the missile tests proof-positive of technological successes. On Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed the launch of Hwasong-10 and warned that his country was fully capable of striking USA interests in the Pacific, state media reported.
Advertisement
With a fully functional Musudan, North Korea would be able to target all of Japan and the US territory of Guam.
Japan and South Korea said the missile flew to a height of 1,000 km (620 miles).
“I do think that the impact of these provocations will be to only strengthen the resolve of the global community that has such serious concerns with North Korea’s behavior”, White House spokesman Josh Ernest told reporters.
The recent launches of North Korea Musudan missiles have placed Seoul on alert, and the projectiles are increasingly being perceived as a threat to South Korean national security. It was the first successful test of the Musudan mid-range missile – with a potential 3,500-kilometer (2,180-mile) range that puts much of Asia and the Pacific within reach – after five failures in about two months. One flew about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) high after five failed attempts in recent months, a significant step in the development of a powerful ballistic missile that could reach USA bases in the Pacific.
The North’s latest move raises concerns about advances made in the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
The missile, which is fired from mobile launchers, has a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,860 miles), meaning all of Japan and the US territory of Guam are potentially within reach.
The ministry also said that Magsamen reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defending its ally South Korea where about 28,500 American troops are stationed.
The U.N. Security Council met on Wednesday evening to discuss the missile launches.
“The members of the Security Council deplore all DPRK ballistic missile activities noting that such activities contribute to the DPRK’s development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension”, the Council said.
Advertisement
South Korea’s rival parties paid tribute to those who lost their lives while fighting the war, calling for strengthening the defense posture against the North’s possible provocations.
