N. Korea confirms launch of intermediate ballistic missile

North Korea confirmed on Tuesday that it tested a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM) on January 6. The North Korean state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the country's leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch. According to official data, the missile traveled 1,500 km at 12 times the speed of sound and "accurately landed on the waters of simulated target in the open sea."

KCNA said the test is part of Pyongyang's effort to increase the "durability and effectiveness of strategic deterrent against potential rivals in conformity with the changing regional security environment." Kim added that the missile launch was "clearly a plan and effort for self-defense, not an offensive plan and action."

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / DJ