North Korea claims US mainland within strike range

(Baonghean.vn) - North Korea on May 15 confirmed that it had successfully tested a medium-sized, long-range, ground-to-ground ballistic missile, declaring that the US mainland was within the missile's strike range.

North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile in February. Photo: KCNA-Yonhap

According to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), leader Kim Jong-un watched the launch of a missile called Hwasong-12 on May 14. The South Korean military also said that North Korea launched the missile from a location northwest of the capital Pyongyang, the first provocative move since new South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office on May 10.

KCNA said the missile reached an altitude of 2,111.5 km, suggesting it could be a new type of ballistic missile under development. The agency added that the missile flew 787 km.

“The missile test was aimed at verifying the tactical and technological characteristics of the newly developed ballistic rocket capable of carrying a large-size heavy nuclear warhead,” KCNA's English-language news report said.

Mr Kim warned that the US should not misjudge the fact that its mainland and operations in the Pacific region are within the “strike range of the DPRK and it has all powerful measures for retaliatory strikes”, the news agency added.

If confirmed, the move would add to concerns that Pyongyang may be closer to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the US mainland.

In his New Year's message, the North Korean leader also said that the country has entered the final stage of preparing to launch an ICBM.

Details of North Korea's new missile have yet to be confirmed.

Also at the same location, on February 12, North Korea launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). This missile is said to be developed from technology applied to submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM).

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (right) chairs a National Security Council meeting at the Blue House on May 14. Photo: Yonhap

Experts say the missile launch appears to be a test for South Korea's new president, who has pledged to seek a parallel approach of promoting denuclearization and dialogue with Pyongyang.

Mr Moon is widely expected to reach a deal with North Korea to improve long-strained relations, but Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs are putting a limit on his conciliatory policies.

Tensions have been high on the divided peninsula in recent weeks, amid speculation that North Korea could conduct its sixth nuclear test.

Pyongyang appears to have refrained from launching large-scale provocations, but the latest test launch could further complicate the situation on the peninsula.

Choe Son-hui, a senior North Korean diplomat, said on May 13 that Pyongyang is willing to hold dialogue with Washington “under suitable conditions.”

The US has said its goal is to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear and missile programs through sanctions, while leaving open the possibility of dialogue. US President Donald Trump is now urging China to rein in its neighbor.

Thu Giang

(According to Yonhap)