North Korea's Missile Test Fails

An early morning North Korean intermediate-range missile test has failed, according to South Korean and American intelligence. The test, conducted Friday morning local time, coincides with the birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's founder and Kim Jung-un's grandfather.

The rocket, reportedly a Musudan, has a range of between 1,500 and 2,500 miles. According to The Washington Post, a missile of that capability would put the U.S. territory of Guam within reach, though not the American mainland. The Musudan can also be fitted with up to a 1.3 ton nuclear warhead.

Friday's test comes in a time of heightened tensions in a country some call one of America's last true enemies. North Korea state media has stepped up its threats to the West, with frequent threats of nuclear destruction of major U.S. and South Korean cities.

Despite this failure, senior Pentagon Official Brian McKeon says North Korea still poses a growing threat to the United States and its allies abroad and tests like these showcase the country's determination in achieving the bomb.

The United States Security Council has passed resolutions formerly banning North Korea from conducting ballistic missile and nuclear tests, but it continues to do so.

Across the world, many countries have condemned the test and hit North Korea with sanctions, an effort to discourage the ability to secure the necessary parts.

Adam Poklop

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36051354