North Korea reveals missile used in ICBM test — RT World News
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Pyongyang said the launch involved its new weapon design and was directly overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
North Korea has unveiled details of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, saying it was using a new long-range munition while warning that continued threats from the United States and its allies will lead to their « self destruction. »
The DPRK fired a Hwasong-17 missile from a site near its capital, Pyongyang, early on Friday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday, calling the munition a « new guy » of the ICBM. He said the test was aimed at « Inspect the reliability and operation of the weapon system », which was first developed in 2020 and made its maiden flight just at the start of this year.
Along with other senior officials from the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was also present to observe the launch. He said the test was needed to shore up Pyongyang « a crushing nuclear deterrent », quoting the « military threat from the United States » and its allies in the region.
The test “will show the United States and South Korea and other supporters that military counterplay against us is self-destruction and that they will have to reconsider the wisdom of their choices,” Kim continued. « We must clearly show the firm will of our party and government to retaliate against the folly of aggression and war drills of the enemies who are trying to destroy peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. »
According to military officials quoted by KCNA, the Hwasong-17 traveled a distance of nearly 1,000 km (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 6,040 km (3,750 miles) before landing. « precisely within the planned waters of the East Sea of Korea. » The weapon is believed to be North Korea’s longest-range missile, which would be capable of striking the American mainland.
While KCNA’s figures are generally consistent with those presented by Japan and South Korea, Japan’s Defense Ministry said the ICBM landed in Tokyo’s exclusive economic zone, about 200 km (124 miles) away. listen)) west of its Hokkaido prefecture.
The DPRK has strongly opposed several rounds of joint war games held between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo, denouncing them as preparations for an attack. North Korean forces have fired a barrage of missiles, rockets and artillery shells into the sea to protest military exercises in recent weeks, including two ICBMs this month alone.
After Friday’s test, South Korea carried out another round of live-fire exercises in retaliation, with its military pledging to « respond resolutely to all threats and provocations, including North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile. »
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