North Korea leader Kim Jong-un has hailed the “successful launch” of a new missile which Pyongyang claimed could hit the U.S. mainland.
“After watching the successful launch of the new type ICBM Hwasong-15, Kim Jong-un declared with pride that now we have finally realised the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force, the cause of building a rocket power,” according to a statement read by a television presenter.
State media said the missile was launched from a newly developed vehicle and that the warhead could withstand the pressure of re-entering the atmosphere.
Mr. Kim personally guided the missile test and said the new launcher was “impeccable”, state media said. He described the new vehicle as a “breakthrough".
‘Responsible power’
North Korea also described itself as a “responsible nuclear power", saying its strategic weapons were developed to defend itself from “the U.S. imperialists' nuclear blackmail policy and nuclear threat”.
U.S., Japanese and South Korean officials all agreed the missile, which landed within Japan's exclusive economic zone, was likely an ICBM. The test did not pose a threat to the U.S., its territories or allies, the Pentagon said.
“It went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they have taken, a research and development effort on their part to continue building ballistic missiles that can threaten everywhere in the world, basically,” U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters at the White House.
Meanwhile U.S. President Donald Trump promised major sanctions against North Korea. ”Additional major sanctions will be imposed on North Korea today. This situation will be handled!” he tweeted.
