January 1, North Korea Confirms Test of Missile Capable of Reaching Guam

North Korea confirmed it test-launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam, marking the country’s most significant weapon launch in years.

The official Korean Central News Agency said the test of the Hwasong-12 missile was aimed at selectively evaluating the missile being produced and deployed and verify its overall accuracy.

North Korea said the missile was launched toward the waters off its east coast and on a high angle to prevent it from overflying other countries.

According to South Korean and Japanese assessment, the missile flew about 800 kilometers (497 miles) and reached a maximum altitude of 1,242 miles.

In 2017, North Korea also test-fired intercontinental ballistic missiles called Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15 that experts say demonstrated their potential capacity to reach the mainland U.S.

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North Korea confirms test of missile capable of striking Guam