N Korea fires banned missile in longest flight yet
N Korea fires banned missile in longest flight yet
The Facts
On Thursday morning, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in violation of UN sanctions. According to South Korea and Japan, the ICBM flew for 86 minutes before falling into the water.
The launch is believed to be the longest time an ICBM from North Korea has ever been in the air. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Pyongyang fired the missile at a "lofted angle," meaning it rose almost vertically instead of moving horizontally.
The Spin
As the US presidential election approaches, North Korea's latest test launch of the ICBM capable of striking the continental US should send shockwaves through the US foreign policy establishment. North Korea is raising regional tensions, and Pyongyang's test launch significantly threatens US national security.
Kim Jung Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, sent a powerful message to all of his enemes with Thursday's ICBM test. It was a clear show of the DPRK's strategic capabilities and credibility in terms of its nuclear deterrence.
