US and South Korea say North Korea missile launch failed

The South Korean and US militaries say North Korea launched a missile near Sinpo on its east coast today but it is believed to have failed.

North Korea's missile is believed to have exploded immediately after launch. Illustration photo: AP

"North Korea launched an unidentified missile from near Sinpo this morning but it is suspected to have failed," South Korea's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

The missile was launched from the eastern port of Sinpo, a North Korean submarine base, the US Pacific Command said. "The missile exploded almost immediately,"Dave Benham,"This is a statement from the agency," said a spokesman.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the same area earlier this month, just ahead of a summit between US and Chinese leaders to discuss North Korea's weapons program.

Location of Sinpo area, North Korea (red mark). Graphics: Googlemaps

According to VNE