North korea claims it tested first intercontinental missile
A significant development!
On November 29, 2017, North Korea claimed to have successfully tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which it called the Hwasong-15. The test was conducted at 9:27 a.m. local time, and the missile was reportedly launched from the Sinpo area on the east coast of North Korea.
According to North Korean state media, the Hwasong-15 missile reached an altitude of 4,475 kilometers (2,780 miles) and traveled a distance of 960 kilometers (597 miles) in 53 minutes and 40 seconds. The missile's maximum speed was reportedly 2,780 kilometers per hour (1,720 miles per hour).
The test was seen as a significant milestone in North Korea's nuclear and missile development program, as it demonstrated the country's ability to launch a missile that could potentially reach the United States.
The international community, including the United States, South Korea, and Japan, condemned the test, calling it a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a threat to regional and global security.
The Hwasong-15 missile is believed to be a liquid-fueled ICBM, with a range of over 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles), making it capable of reaching major cities in the United States, including Los Angeles and Denver.
The test has sparked concerns about the potential for North Korea to develop a nuclear-tipped ICBM, which could pose a significant threat to global security.
In response to the test, the United States and South Korea have increased their military exercises and deployed additional troops to the region. The international community has also imposed additional sanctions on North Korea in an effort to pressure the country to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.
It's worth noting that while North Korea claims to have tested an ICBM, some experts have questioned the accuracy of the country's claims, citing concerns about the missile's range and payload capacity. Additionally, the test has not been independently verified by international observers, which has raised questions about the missile's actual capabilities.