The missile fired is thought to be an intermediate-range Musudan similar to this. Photo: EPA
Pyongyang, North Korea (BBN) - North Korea says it has successfully tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach the whole of continental US.
It claimed on state television that it had achieved its mission of becoming a nuclear state, reports BBC.
The Hwasong-15 missile was launched early on Wednesday and landed in Japanese waters, prompting international condemnation.
Pyongyang said leader Kim Jong-un personally signed off on the launch.
The missile reached an altitude of 4,500km (2,800 miles) and flew 960km, according to South Korea's military.
The launch was the latest in a series of weapons tests that raised tensions to unprecedented levels. Pyongyang last launched a ballistic missile in September, the same month it conducted its sixth nuclear test.
North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear and missile programme despite global condemnation and sanctions.
The UN Security Council is due to convene an emergency session to discuss the latest test.
Prior to the statement, US defence secretary James Mattis said the missile launch "went higher, frankly, than any previous shots they have taken", and said North Korea poses a worldwide threat.
US President Donald Trump was briefed while the missile was still in the air, the White House said. Afterwards he said: "We will take care of it."
Japan and South Korea have condemned the test, with the South launching its own missile test in response.
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BBN/MMI/ANS