North Korea Claims Missile Tested Can Reach 'All of America's Territory'

The leader of North Korea has claimed that the missile tested by his country on Friday is capable of targeting 'all of America's territory.' At the same time, South Korea has stated that it and the United States will conduct a 'joint missile exercise' in response to the recent launch. Pyongyang has claimed that the missile launch was successful. The official news agency quoted Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, stating, 'This test confirms the credibility of the intercontinental ballistic missile system and demonstrates the capabilities for a surprise attack by intercontinental ballistic missiles at any region, anywhere, and at any time. It clearly proves that their range reaches all of America's territory.' No other official outside North Korea has confirmed these statements from its leader. However, David Wright, a director of the 'Global Security Program' at UCS, a union of researchers, wrote on his blog that if the figures regarding the distance traveled by the test missile are accurate, it means that American cities, including Denver, Chicago, or Los Angeles, are within its range. This is the second test in less than a month by North Korea, both involving intercontinental ballistic missiles. Before North Korea launched the missile on Friday, Reuters reported, citing several American officials, that their intelligence assessments indicate Pyongyang is conducting military transfers and is possibly preparing for a new test. North Korea had also conducted two nuclear tests last year, bringing the total number of such tests to five. These nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches by North Korea occur while the UN Security Council has prohibited Pyongyang from conducting such actions. Hours after the Friday test, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, described North Korea's recent actions as 'irresponsible and dangerous' and stated, 'These tests will lead to further isolation of North Korea and deprivation of its people.' The United States had previously announced during Barack Obama's presidency that it would establish a highly advanced defense system called 'THAAD' in South Korea to counter threats from North Korea; a program that has continued during Donald Trump's presidency. The establishment of this system has faced opposition from China; Beijing reiterated its opposition to the installation of 'THAAD' just hours before the announcement of North Korea's latest test. On July 29, China condemned North Korea's missile test. The South Korean state news agency also reported that the country, along with the United States, is conducting a joint exercise with ballistic missiles. Moon Jae-in, the President of South Korea, has called for stronger UN sanctions against North Korea. Mr. Moon, who is a liberal political leader in South Korea and has recently ended years of conservative government in the country, is known as a politician advocating for negotiations with Pyongyang. Seoul has also made efforts in this regard, which have not yet yielded significant results. Moon Jae-in had previously delayed the installation of the THAAD defense system for environmental reasons, although South Korea has now reported a request for the establishment of four additional systems of this defense. The test on Friday occurred one day after the U.S. Senate approved a sanctions bill against Iran, Russia, and North Korea. The White House has announced that the President will sign this bill.