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Kim Jong-un says that North Korea's largest ever missile test represents a 'miraculous victory' for the country, as he pledges to use his new weapons system to 'check and contain' the United States.
In a statement release following North Korea's first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile in over five years, the Supreme Leader described the launch as a 'priceless' milestone for his people that proved the strength of the country's 'great military muscle.'
Kim oversaw the test from a specially built observation bus at an airport in Sunan, on the outskirts of the capital Pyongyang, and according to KCNA, said he had ordered the launch of the Hwasong-17 missile as a result of 'daily-escalating military tension in and around the Korean peninsula' and the 'inevitability of the long-standing confrontation with the US imperialists accompanied by the danger of a nuclear war'.
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'It is necessary to make clear that whoever tries to infringe upon the security of our state shall pay dearly,' Kim said, per state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun.
'Our state defence capability will make thorough preparations for long confrontation with U.S. imperialism on the basis of the tremendous military technical force unflinching even to any military threat and blackmail.'
The North Korean leader was seen in images applauding following the successful launch, while a bizarrely dramatic video clip showed the 38-year-old alongside his generals as he directed the test, which took place on Thursday, 24 March.
The Hwasong-17 missile is North Korea's largest ever nuclear capable weapon. It was first showcased during the military parade in October 2020, however today marks the first time it has been launched in a full test.
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According to nuclear experts, the test was not only North Korea's biggest ever but also the largest liquid propellant missile ever launched from a road-mobile launcher by any country.
Kim said that the launch, which has been condemned internationally, was proof that the 'Strategic Force of the DPRK is fully ready to thoroughly check and contain any dangerous military attempt of the U.S. imperialists,' adding that the missile launch would 'clearly show the might of our strategic force to the whole world once again.'
South Korean and Japanese officials confirmed that the missile flew for 71 minutes, travelling 1,080km and reaching an altitude of 6,000km before splashing down in waters of the coast of northern Japan.
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Topics: Kim Jong-un, North Korea, World News