North Korea test-fires missile with range to strike entire US
Published:Friday | November 18, 2022 | 2:24 PM
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed near Japanese waters Friday in its second major weapons test this month that showed a potential ability to launch nuclear strikes on all of the US mainland.
While it's unclear whether North Korea possesses functioning nuclear-armed missiles, some experts say Friday's launch involved its longest-range missile, which is still under development and is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads to overcome US missile defence systems.
North Korea's recent torrid run of weapons tests aims to advance its nuclear arsenal and win greater concessions in future diplomacy.
It comes as China and Russia have opposed US moves to toughen UN sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear programme.
The United States quickly condemned the launch and vowed to take “all necessary measures” to guarantee the safety of its territory and its allies South Korea and Japan.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with the leaders of those countries and of Australia, Canada and New Zealand who are attending a regional forum in Bangkok to discuss the launch.
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