North Korea launches new, perhaps more agile ICBM designed to reach U.S. mainland in first such test in almost a year
CBSN
Seoul, South Korea — North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile Thursday in its first test in almost a year of a weapon designed to threaten the U.S. mainland, days ahead of the U.S. election.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the missile test and was at the launch site, calling the launch "an appropriate military action" to show North Korea's resolve to respond to its enemies' moves that have threatened the North's safety, according to its Defense Ministry.
The United States, South Korea and Japan had also identified the weapon as an ICBM and condemned the launch as raising tensions. The launch came as Washington warned that North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are heading toward Ukraine, likely to augment Russian forces and join the war.