North Korea conducted a test for what seemed
to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile early
Thursday, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing South Korean military
officials. However, the test is believed to have failed, according to
the officials.
South Korea's Yonhap said that the missile might have belonged to the Musudan model,
a missile of which was tested by Pyongyang on April 15 as well.
However, the earlier missile exploded a few seconds after it lifted off
the country’s east coast. South Korean military officials said that the
missile test-fired Thursday also crashed seconds after it was launched.
“The projectile, presumed to be a Musudan, was
fired around 6:40 a.m. from the vicinity of [the North Korean east
coast city of] Wonsan, but it appears to have plunged to the Earth a few
seconds later,” an official told Yonhap. “It
is highly likely that the launch failed. With that in mind, South Korea
and the United States are conducting a detailed assessment.”
Thursday's alleged missile test comes at a
time when North Korea is already facing strong sanctions from the United
Nations Security Council over its fourth nuclear test in January and a
rocket launch in February. The Kim Jong Un-led regime has also conducted
several missile tests recently. The North Korean leader has called to
strengthen the country's defense capabilities and produce more nuclear
weapons, saying these were needed for self-defense.
Reports have said that the reclusive country
may conduct a fifth nuclear test before a rare congress of its ruling
party on May 6.
The international community, including North Korea's biggest ally China,
has warned the North against nuclear advancements. Beijing has also
said that it will fully adhere to the sanctions imposed against
Pyongyang by the United Nations.
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