Technology
North Korea tested a long-range missile capable of reaching the U.S.
The White House called the missile test a “brazen violation” of the U.N. Security Council resolution
March 24, 2022 2:08pm
Updated: March 24, 2022 3:54pm
North Korea tested its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, allegedly capable of reaching the East Coast of the United States, reported Japanese officials.
Even though North Korea has tested short and intermediate-range missiles in recent months, this week’s tests marks Pyongyang’s first long-range ICBM test since 2017. The missile landed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, about 106 miles (170 km) from the Aomori prefecture.
The missile flew for 71 minutes, traveling 638 miles (1,100 km) and reaching an altitude of 3,850 miles (6,200 km). Expert analysis of the missile test shows that the missile could reach the U.S. if it traveled on a normal trajectory.
It is still unclear what specific ICBM was tested. However, senior officials have warned that North Korea plans to test its Hwasong-17, believed to be the world’s largest ICBM. The 85-foot missile was unveiled at North Korea’s military parade in 2020.
The White House called the missile test a “brazen violation” of the U.N. Security Council resolution, adding that it “needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region.”
“We urge all countries to hold the DPRK accountable for such violations and call on the DPRK to come to the table for serious negotiations,” said press secretary Jen Psaki. “The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions.”
“The action threatens the peace and security for our country, region, and the international community and is absolutely unacceptable,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. “Moving forward, working together with the U.S. and South Korea and relevant countries, we will consider future actions including sanctions.”
“It is a violation of the U.N. Security Council’s Resolution, and it is creating a serious danger to the international community as well as the Korean peninsula amid the war in Ukraine,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said. “I strongly condemn once again.”
