North Korea will test-launch an intercontinental nuclear missile that could let it nuke the United States, claims Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong Un used a New Year’s Day message to announce the progression
He said an ICBM rocket test launch preparation was in its last stage
Experts have said the isolated country is years away from developing an ICBM with nuclear capabilities that could reach the United States
By REBECCA TAYLOR
DailyMail.com
1 January 2017
North Korea is close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to its leader.
Kim Jong Un said on New Year’s Day that research and development was actively progressing and the test launch was in its last stage of preparation.
North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.
In a New Year’s Day speech, the North Korean leader said: ‘Research and development of cutting edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage.’
The country has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9.
A successful ICBM test launch would mark a significant step forward for secretive Pyongyang’s weapons capability.
ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500km (3,418 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000km or further. The U.S. state of California is roughly 9,000km from North Korea.
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