North Korea has warned it is ready for a “long-standing confrontation” with the United States after successfully testing its newest missile.
According to the reports from Japan and South Korea, the North successfully launched the ‘monster’ intercontinental ballistic missile known as Hwasong-17 in its first long-range test ever on Thursday.
The 82-foot missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was launched from an airport near Pyongyang and traveled for 680 miles before crashing into the sea between Japan and North Korea.
During the flight of the North’s largest intercontinental missile and likely the biggest road-mobile missile in the world, the Hwasong-17 reached a maximum altitude of 3,880 miles.
The news of the controversial ballistic missile launch was later also confirmed by Korean Central News Agency, North Korea’s state news agency.
In photos released by the North, supreme leader Kim Jong-un can be seen clapping and smiling while watching the missile produce clouds of smoke while taking off the airport.
According to analysts, the missile in question has an estimated range of 9,320 miles, meaning it could potentially reach mainland United States and as far as New York.
Meanwhile, the North’s state news boasted the nation’s “formidable military” as they quoted the supreme leader who vowed to develop “technical capabilities unperturbed by any military threat and blackmail and keep themselves fully ready for long-standing confrontation with the U.S. imperialists.”
Korean Central News Agency also praised the missile test saying it demonstrates “great military muscle” while Kim suggested it comes as a “priceless” and “miraculous” victory for the North Korean people.
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