N. Korea confirms test-firing of Hwasong-17 ICBM
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea confirmed Friday that it test-fired a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the previous day on the direct order of its leader Kim Jong-un.
Kim said that the "new strategic weapon of the DPRK would make the whole world clearly aware of the power of our strategic armed forces once again," the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
"He stressed that our national defense forces would possess formidable military and technical capabilities unperturbed by any military threat and blackmail and keep themselves fully ready for long-standing confrontation with the U.S. imperialists," it added.
The ICBM flew 1,090 kilometers at a top altitude of 6,248 km before landing in the East Sea, according to the KCNA.
Thursday's launch marked the DPRK's first ICBM launch since 2017 in a move sharply escalating tensions in the region.
Pyongyang's show of force, the 12th this year, means an end to its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(Yonhap Interview) Talent, gov't support are key to chip industry's success: professor
-
(LEAD) Samsung begins mass production of 3nm chips
-
Yoon to agree to new partnership with NATO in second half of year
-
First lady Kim, Queen Letizia of Spain talk K-beauty, being the same age
-
(LEAD) N. Korea appears to have discharged water from dam near inter-Korean border: gov't official
-
(Yonhap Interview) Talent, gov't support are key to chip industry's success: professor
-
(LEAD) Samsung begins mass production of 3nm chips
-
S. Korean catching prospect signs with Kansas City Royals: source
-
Yoon to agree to new partnership with NATO in second half of year
-
(LEAD) Yoon to agree to new partnership with NATO in second half of year
-
S. Korean catching prospect signs with Kansas City Royals: source
-
Photo of Yoon staring at blank computer screen raises eyebrows
-
Culture minister: public opinion most important factor in determining military exemptions for BTS
-
(LEAD) S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases spike amid resurgence woes
-
(LEAD) S. Korea to seek 'new structure' of talks with N. Korea, unification minister says