United State's authorities reported that North Korea completed a provocative new ballistic rocket test over the weekend. And while many of its other missile tests only covered a shorter distance, this test, however, landed close to Russia. U.S. Intelligence said that the rocket launched from the city of Kusong, in the western region of North Korea, landed in Japanese waters. According to authorities, this is just about 60 miles from Vladivostok in eastern Russia.
Reportedly, new missile could reach U.S. territory
Japan's Defense Ministry said the rocket achieved an elevation of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) and flew for 30 minutes.
Minister Tomomi Inada, the spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said the rocket appears to be of superior quality. David Wright, a co-executive of the Union of Concerned Scientists stated that the higher range and longer flight show that the rocket has an improved impact radius.
Commenting on the group's blog, Wright reiterated that since the rocket attained that altitude and landed close to Russian territory, it could achieve Kim Jong-un's goal to reach the US region of Guam in the Pacific. Guam is home to Andersen Air Force Base, where the United States stores its super-bombers, including B-1s, B-2s, and B-52s.
Russia and S. Korea on high alert after rocket launch
According to the RIA-Novosti news organization, Russia reacted to North Korea's test by putting its air force on high alert.
Viktor Ozerov, director of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, said the government is aware that the country could be a possible target. He also added that Vladimir Putin had placed the military on a battle-ready status. This, he said, in the unlikely event that the country has to shield itself from an attack by North Korea.
Sunday's test is the first from North Korea since the South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office a week ago. South Korea's new President has supported talks with the North Korean leader, in an effort to denuclearize its missile program.
Yoon Young-Chan, Jae-in's spokesperson said the rocket test nullifies the UN Security Council resolutions.
He also added that it's a serious challenge to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and the world. Young- Chan stated that although South Korea is involved in ongoing talks between the two Koreas, the North should change its mentality and nuclear ambitions.
The spokesperson also warned that the South Korean government will react to any incoming attack with full force. And while the country is a peaceful nation, it is bound to protect its people and the country's national interests. According to Young-Chan, President Jae-in vowed that all threats will be taken seriously and dealt with through the utmost retaliation by its military.
