North Korea has just tested another missile engine.

North Korea has just conducted a test of a rocket engine that U.S. officials believe is part of a program to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters, this test follows another test earlier this month, further indicating Pyongyang's ambitions in its advanced weapons development program.

This information also comes amid growing concerns in the US about further nuclear and missile tests, which are likely to take place in the near future.

US officials said on March 27 that Pyongyang's latest rocket engine test took place last Friday night (March 24) and that the engine could be used for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced that Pyongyang had conducted a test of a new engine at the Tongchang-ri missile launch site, calling it the "birth" of the country's missile industry.

At the time, North Korean state media reported that the new engine could achieve world-class satellite launch capabilities, suggesting it might be a new type of rocket engine for long-range missiles.

If fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the security of the United States, a country located approximately 9,000 kilometers from North Korea.

ICBMs have a minimum range of approximately 5,500 km, but are designed to be launched as far as 10,000 km or more.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests and numerous ballistic missile tests, violating UN resolutions.

The Trump administration is still considering its options for dealing with North Korea, but appears to be leaning toward less risky choices than a preemptive military strike.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper