Outcry as Kim oversees North Korea missile test

NORTH KOREA declared its latest medium-range missile ready for deployment and mass production yesterday after weekend tests.

It marks a further move from Pyongyang to challenge UN sanctions by developing a weapon capable of striking US targets.

Kim Jong-un, the country’s leader, personally oversaw Sunday’s launch of the Pukguksong-2, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said, causing a fresh chorus of international condemnation and threats tougher sanctions.

It was the latest in a series of missile launches this year, and the US, South Korea and Japan quickly denounced the test, requesting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, which will be held today.

The launches, and a threatened sixth nuclear test, have added to tension with Washington. President Trump’s administration has warned military intervention is an option. of