Updated at 1:42 p.m.
North Korea has launched another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Pentagon said Friday, an action that is likely to increase tensions with its neighbors and the U.S., and result in international pressure on Pyongyang over its missile and nuclear programs.
The test comes three weeks after North Korea tested an ICBM that expert said could reach Alaska. At the time, experts said the missile had a range of about 7,000 kilometers. Based on preliminary data, experts said, Friday’s missile could travel farther, potentially putting the contiguous U.S. well within its range.
Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said Friday the projectile was fired at 11:42 p.m. local time, flew for about 45 minutes, and landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The Pentagon said the ICBM traveled about 1,000 kilometers before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.
Jeffrey Lewis, who runs the website Arms Control Wonk, said on Twitter: “A 45 minute flight time means were looking at 10,000 km range missile, give or take,” which would mean Friday’s missile could potentially fly farther than the one launched earlier this month. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was launched from the northern Jagang Province. Recent tests have been from Kusong Province, which is southwest of Jagang. Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, reported the South Korean president convened an emergency security meeting over the test.