DPRK claims successful intercontinental ballistic missile launch

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‍The DPRK confirmed in an announcement on state broadcaster Korean Central Television that it launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday.

The missile was launched at around 9:10 a.m. local time (0040 GMT) Tuesday from Banghyon, a western area of the DPRK near the border with China, into the Sea of Japan.

The DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un signed an order for the test-fire and observed the launch at the scene.

DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un signed an order for the test-fire. /Screenshot of Korean Central Television

It was first reported by Republic of Korea (ROK) sources earlier in the day.

The missile reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers and flew 933 kilometers, said Yonhap.

The missile was launched at a maximum angle and didn't lay negative effect on the security of surrounding countries, the DPRK claimed.

This was the fourth ballistic missile launched by the DPRK since ROK President Moon Jae-in took office in May.

The DPRK has been "a strong nuclear power state" and had "a very powerful ICBM that can strike any place in the world," according to AFP citing a DPRK's female announcer, adding it will fundamentally terminate the threat and intimidation of nuclear war from the US and secure the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region.

DPRK fires ballistic missile into Sea of Japan