The missile fell into the sea between Russia and Japan after 87 minutes of flight, which, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities, is the longest flight time of DPRK missiles in the country's history of military tests.
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea, the intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from a site near Pyongyang at 7:10 am local time (01:10 MSK).
The DPRK authorities confirmed the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile, stating that the tests took place on the morning of October 31. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony and stated that the test is a warning to enemies who threaten the country's security, reported the state news agency KCNA.
«This launch is a fair military measure that shows our determination to respond to enemies who have recently deliberately escalated the situation in the region and threatened the security of the republic», — he stated.
According to Kim Jong Un, «the dangerous actions of enemies to strengthen the nuclear alliance and various adventurous military actions» emphasize the importance of strengthening the DPRK's nuclear forces, and North Korea does not intend to change its policy on this issue.
Tokyo expressed protest to Pyongyang, and South Korea announced new sanctions against the DPRK «in response to provocations». The missile launch was condemned in the US, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The Wall Street Journal notes that the missile tests in North Korea took place less than a week before the US presidential elections, which will be held on November 5. Pyongyang usually conducted such launches on days shortly before key political events or holidays in the United States to attract Washington's attention, security experts believe.