North Korea says it has successfully tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile to confirm the reliability of the late-stage guidance of the nuclear warhead, indicating further advances in the ability to hit US targets.
The North's KCNA news agency said today that leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test which also verified the functioning of the solid-fuel engine for the Pukguksong-2 missile fired from a mobile launcher.
Yesterday a South Korean military official said the test in which a ballistic missile was fired into waters off its east coast - the second missile test in a week - has dashed hopes for peace between the South's new liberal government and its northern neighbour.
The official said the missile appeared to be an upgraded, extended-range version of the North's solid-fuel submarine-launched missile.
The missile fired a week ago flew was liquid-fuelled, and flew further.
