North Korean authorities confirmed that they had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) a day earlier, the third known test of this type of missile in less than a year.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that the Hwasong-15 ballistic missile was launched as part of a “surprise drill” under the orders of leader Kim Jong Un.
The agency stated that the missile flew 989 kilometers for about 67 minutes at an altitude of 5,768.5 kilometers, noting that the test was evidence of Pyongyang’s ability to launch a “fatal nuclear attack on hostile forces” and “clear evidence of the reliability of its deterrent force.”
The latest test comes after North Korea on Friday warned of “unprecedentedly strong responses” if the United States and South Korea went ahead with the planned military exercises.