North Korea 'launches ballistic missile from submarine' amid fears of fifth nuclear test
South Korea reported the test and said it was on high alert for a nuclear test that it believed would happen imminently
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.North Korea is believed to have launched a ballistic missile from a submarine in the Sea of Japan, the South Korean military has said.
However South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff told news agency Yonhap that the missile flew for just 30km compared to the usual 300km-minimum range of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The potential missile launch comes almost a year after Pyongyang announced it had carried out a successful underwater SLBM test in May, with two further unsuccessful tests carried out towards the end of the year prior to the submarine being damaged.
Philip Hammond said the "provocation" showed North Korea’s disregard for its international obligations.
“This latest provocation, yet another violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, underlines the threat that North Korea presents to regional and international security," the Foreign Secretary added.
“In conducting this test, North Korea has again shown its blatant disregard for its international obligations and the UK will be working on a strong multilateral response through the UN and EU.”
The reclusive country was hit by international sanctions following a fourth nuclear test in January this year, while Seoul is closely watching Pyongyang as a fifth nuclear test is expected to take place soon.
The fifth test is rumoured to involve a small nuclear warhead that can be fitted to a ballistic missile, prompting the South Korean military to go on high alert and igniting fears the missile launch is linked to the nuclear test.
Satellite images have shown activity at the Punggye-ri test site, including what it thought to be the excavation of tunnels at the site.
Both the US and South Korea believe Pyongyang to be attempting to develop an intercontinental missile system that would put the US in its range.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments