"Second NK mid-range missile test fails"

Image copyright

KCNA / EPA

Image caption

North Korea is thought to have used the Musudan missile, pictured here in a 2010 file photo, in the failed launch

North Korea has test fired a mid-range ballistic missile which crashed a few seconds after launch, say South Korean military officials.

It is thought to be the second test of the North’s new Musudan missile. An attempt earlier this month also failed.

The tests come amid a recent ramp-up in weapons activity as the country prepares for a rare party congress.

Reports suggest it is planning a fifth nuclear test, despite condemnation of its last test in January.

South Korean officials said the mid-range missile launch took place early Thursday morning near the eastern coastal city of Wonsan but the missile “crashed a few seconds later” in the coastal area, reported Yonhap news agency.

• Dealing with the North: Carrots or sticks?

The incident was captured by a US surveillance satellite.

The Musudan missiles are said to be able to travel up to 4,000km (2,485 miles), within the range of US territories in the Pacific.

Strengthened international sanctions were placed on North Korea after it tested what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb and launched a long-range missile.

Last week it also claimed it fired a submarine ballistic missile.

Observers have speculated that Pyongyang is boosting the development of its weapons programs ahead of its political conference aimed at solidifying the power of its leader Kim Jong-un.

The North announced this week that the congress, which was last held in 1980, would take place on 6 May.

All copyrights for this article are reserved to BBC News

"Second NK mid-range missile test fails"
https://latiendadejm.com/blog/second-nk-mid-range-missile-test-fails/

BBC News, noticias | #BBCNews #Noticias | La tienda de JM