North Korea claims it test- launched first ICBM

Says weapon has capability to reach U. S.

“I hope North Korea will not cross the point of no return.”

Moon Jae- in, South Korea President

North Korea claimed it successfully test- launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday which, if true, is a potential milestone in its mission to develop a weapon with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.

North Korea said the missile was capable of hitting targets anywhere in the world, and a U. S. scientist said that with an altered trajectory the missile could strike Alaska.

However, the North’s claim contradicted South Korean and U. S. officials who earlier said it was an intermediate- range ballistic missile.

Cho Han Gyu, director of operations at South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff, said South Korean and U. S. intelligence were determining whether the missile has intercontinental capability.

The firing of the missile, called the Hwasong- 14, was watched by the North’s leader Kim Jong Un, who signed an order for the launch, the official Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA) reported. The timing of the launch could have been undertaken for maximum symbolic effect: It took place on the eve of the July 4th holiday in the U. S.

Jean Lee, a global fellow at The Wilson Center in Washington, said the launch, was “Pyongyang’s way of sending a message of defiance to the U. S. and South Korea.”

“The success of the ICBM launch at its first trial is the final gateway to completing our nuclear force. It marked a phenomenal event in our history as we are pursuing the dual- track policy of nuclear and economic development,” the order said, KCNA reported.

The missile traveled 580 miles for 39 minutes, reaching an altitude of 1,741 miles; but in order to strike the U. S., it would need a range of at least 4,800 miles, Reuters reported.

Japan’s government said the missile landed in its exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan, but no damage to ships or aircraft in the area has been reported.

South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said in a statement that the launch was made from North Korea’s North Phyongan province, the Associated Press and South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The joint chief’s statement said the launch was immediately reported to South Korean President Moon Jae- in.

“I hope North Korea will not cross the point of no return,” Moon said in response to the launch, the South’s Yonhap news agency reported.