N. Korea leader says ‘all US’ within range after missile test
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said Pyongyang's latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile confirmed all the US mainland was within striking range, state media reported Saturday.
Kim said Friday's test demonstrated the North's ability to launch "at any place and time," the Korean Central News Agency reported, adding "the leader said proudly the test also confirmed all the US mainland is within our striking range."
"Dear Leader Kim Jong-Un expressed great satisfaction with the perfectly successful test and praised its developers," KCNA said.
The report said the test confirmed the missile's nuclear detonation control mechanism operated normally and that the warhead could endure the intense heat of re-entering the atmosphere.
With its second ICBM test this month, North Korea is doubling down on its threat to develop nuclear strike capability against the US mainland in the face of severe warnings from President Donald Trump.
The US leader denounced the launch as a "reckless and dangerous" action and rejected Pyongyang's claims that such tests helped ensure its security.
"By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people," Trump said in a statement.
"The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region."
South Korean, US and Japanese monitors all detected the unusual late-night test Friday, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saying the missile may have landed within Japan's maritime exclusive economic zone.
"We assess that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, adding that the projectile travelled about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.
However, the Russian military said it appeared to be a "medium-range" ballistic missile.
The launch came a day after North Korea celebrated what it calls "Victory Day" -- the anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Source: Agencies
