Cameras capture North Korean missile falling into Sea of Japan
SECURITY cameras appear to have captured the moment an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fired by North Korea overnight landed in the sea off Japan.
According to U.S. officials, the missile – the second to be launched this month – was fired on a heightened trajectory and travelled around 1,000km before crashing into the Sea of Japan, around 125km from the mainland.
It’s understood the missile was more advanced than the last and travelled through the air for 45 minutes.
The missile reached an altitude of 3700km, according to South Korea’s Joint Cheifs of Staff – far higher than the 2800km reached by the ICBM launched earlier this month.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said the latest test confirmed all the US mainland was within striking range and demonstraed the North’s ability to launch “at any place and time”.
The significantly higher altitude of last night’s test suggests the missile could have flown much farther than the last, putting Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago within range.
Security cameras in Japan appear to have captured the moment last night’s missile landed in the ocean, around 125km off the coast.
NHK live cameras in Hokkaido appear to have captured North Korean missile falling into Sea of Japan https://t.co/P2g16I6kmD pic.twitter.com/2jQz52qc2m
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) July 28, 2017
In response, the US and South Korea conducted a live-fire military exercise using surface-to-surface missiles.
Donald Trump condemned the “threatening” test, calling it a “reckless and dangerous” action.
“By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people,” the President said in a statement.
“The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region.”
It’s the twelfth missile to be launched by the rogue nation since February, despite repeated warnings from global leaders and being hit with extreme sanctions by the United Nations.
U.S. officials believe North Korea will have the capability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile fitted with a nuclear warhead by early next year.
Worrying developments in relations between North Korea and the U.S. as North Korea launches their 14th missile this year. @mikeamor7 #7News pic.twitter.com/yot6o5FJmR
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) July 28, 2017
