North Korea Test Fires New Ballistic Missile Over the Weekend, UN Calls for Urgent Emergency Meetings [VIDEO]
North Korea has officially announced that it has successfully launched a new type of ballistic missile over the weekend. The launch, which is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions, is a part of the country's unpublicized arsenal called the Pukguksong-2. Reports of the launch, under the direct supervision of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, were aired through the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The news agency also stated that the launch itself was Pyongyang's first ever missile test since United States President Donald Trump took office. According to CNN, the launch may have been to test the new United States administration and gauge their reaction.
Trump on the other hand only gave a one-sentence statement after the launch was confirmed. The president merely stated that the country fully stands behind Japan a hundred percent. While, the president's reaction may have been underwhelming given his colorful demeanor, it may have been a calculated one that was aimed at avoiding further tension.
As for the launch itself, a report from Reuters reveals that missile was able to travel a distance of 500 kilometers before it crashed in the Sea of Japan off the east of the Korean peninsula. The missile had reportedly originated somewhere in the North Pyongan province. The new Pukguksong-2 missile is reportedly using a solid-fuel engine and a "cold-eject" system commonly seen in submarine-launched missiles.
In response to the reports, the United Nations Security Council has announced its plans to hold urgent consultations regarding North Korea. An emergency meeting was also requested by United States, Japan and South Korea to further discuss the actions that need to be taken in light of the new situation. The UN Security Council has passed several resolutions specifically for North Korea aimed at curbing the country's ability to develop nuclear weapons. Carrying out test for ballistic missiles is part of the resolutions, which the country has now clearly violated.
