North Korea has confirmed the evaluation test-firing of a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test-firing was carried out on 30 January.
It was performed under a plan of the ‘Academy of Defense Science, the Second Economy Commission, and other institutions.
According to state news agency KCNA, the test-fire of Hwasong-12 ground-to-ground intermediate-range ballistic missile for evaluation was conducted on January 30 according to a plan of the Academy of Defense Science, the Second Economy Commission, and other institutions concerned.
It was conducted at the highest-angle launch system from the northwestern part of the country toward the waters of the East Sea of Korea in consideration of the security of neighboring countries, the news agency reported.
The test-fire was aimed at selectively evaluating the ballistic missile under production and deployment and verifying the accuracy of the overall weapon system, it added.
The Academy made public the photographic images of the earth taken from space by a camera installed at the missile warhead, said KCNA.
“It confirmed the accuracy, security, and operation efficiency of the of the Hwasong-12 weapon system under production,” it added.
This comes as US and South Korean officials warned the latest missile launch may lead to resumed testing of long-range weapons and nuclear bombs.
This was the seventh conducted by North Korea this year. For the first time, the country tested a nuclear-capable missile of that size since 2017.
South Korean and Japanese authorities had reported the launch on Sunday. They also condemned the act as a threat to regional security.
The photos, which have been released by state media, show space-based images of North Korea and the surrounding areas with the help of a round camera lens.
In response to DPRK Missile Launch, US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement: “We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch today and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners.
“The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further destabilising acts.”
“While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or that of our allies, we will continue to monitor the situation. The US commitment to the defence of the ROK and Japan remains ironclad.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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