North Korea confirms ballistic missile launch from submarine
The US Government condemned the launch and called on the country to refrain from further provocations.
North Korean state media has issued a statement confirming the test firing of a new, smaller submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The news comes just a day after South Korean military reported that it suspected firings by North Korea.
This test is the latest in a number of North Korean missile tests, which included hypersonic and long-range weapons.
It also follows South Korea’s unveiling of a similar weapon, the BBC reported.
In a White House press briefing, spokesperson Jen Psaki said: “These launches violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and are a threat to the region.
“We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations and engage in sustained and substantive dialogue, and our commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad.
“These launches also underscore the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy. Our offer remains to meet anywhere, anytime, without preconditions. We’re also closely consulting with allies on this.”
Psaki also noted that DPRK Special Representative Sung Kim and his Japanese and ROK counterparts met and held talks on engaging with the DPRK.
She added: “So, we remain prepared to engage in diplomacy with the DPRK and also, of course, to work closely with our allies and partners on addressing this as it proceeds.”
In January this year, North Korea reportedly displayed a new SLBM at a military parade in Pyongyang.
