North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Sunday that the isolated nuclear capable country was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.
‘In last stage’
“Research and development of cutting edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage,” Mr. Kim said during a televised New Year’s Day speech.
The country has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9.
A successful ICBM test launch would mark a significant step forward for secretive Pyongyang’s weapons capability.
ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km, but some are designed to travel 10,000 km or further. The U.S. State of California is roughly 9,000 km from North Korea. However, North Korea has struggled to reliably deploy its intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, succeeding just once in eight attempted launches last year. — Reuters
