U. S., S. Korea react

North Korea’s missile testlaunch drew a swift reaction from the U. S. and South Korea, which in turn launched two missiles as a demonstration of their attack capability

North Korea’s test- launch of a missile capable of reaching the United States drew a swift reaction from the U. S. Army and South Korean military, which in turn launched at least two surface- to- surface missiles as a demonstration of their attack capability.

U. S. Army officials on Tuesday evening released videos and photos of simultaneous launches from the Army Tactical Missile System and South Korea’s Hyunmoo Missile II system. The Army Tactical Missile System is a mobile launch system for firing landbased missiles up to 185 miles, with high explosive warheads of up to 500 pounds. The two missiles were deliberately fired into South Korean waters Wednesday, local time, in a demonstration of the systems’ capabilities, the Army said. The specific launch site wasn’t disclosed.

“The deep strike precision capability enables the ( Republic of Korea)- U. S. Alliance to engage the full array of time critical targets under all weather conditions,” the Eighth U. S. Army said in a statement. “The ( Republic of Korea)- U. S. Alliance remains committed to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Asia- Pacific.

The North Korean launch and retaliatory U. S.- South Korea actions come as U. S. officials use increasingly strong language to condemn and warn North Korea.

“We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies and to use the full range of capabilities at our disposal against the growing threat from North Korea,” chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana W. White said in a statement.