North Korean Missile Test: 'Threats to Neighbours and Beyond,' Says Pentagon

North Korean missile launches over the weekend, according to the US military, presented 'threats' to the country's neighbours and beyond.

In North Korea, the Academy of National Defense Science conducts long-range cruise missile testing. (Photo courtesy of REUTERS)

North Korean missile launches over the weekend, according to the US military, presented 'threats' to the country's neighbours and beyond.

"This action underscores DPRK's continued emphasis on expanding its military program, as well as the risks it presents to its neighbours and the international community," the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement.

On Monday morning local time, North Korean official media announced that the nation had tested a new "far-range cruise missile" on Saturday and Sunday, amid a lengthy stalemate with the US over its nuclear program.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, the missiles flew 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) above North Korea's territorial seas, including figure-of-8 patterns, to reach their objectives.

The missile was described as a "strategic weapon of enormous significance" in the report, which also stated that the tests were successful and that the missile provided the country with "another powerful deterrent tool" against "hostile forces."

International sanctions have been imposed on North Korea for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which it claims are necessary to protect against a US invasion.

Pyongyang, on the other hand, is not prohibited from manufacturing cruise missiles, which it has already tested.

According to a statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command, the US will "continue to monitor the situation and communicate closely with our friends and partners."

It reaffirmed the US' "ironclad commitment to the protection" of North Korea's neighbours, South Korea and Japan.

Seoul and Washington are treaty allies, with around 28,500 US soldiers stationed in South Korea to defend the country against its neighbour, who invaded it in 1950.

The alleged launches are the North's first since March when it last conducted a nuclear test or launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Other Important Defence Headlines of The Day

• Counter-Terrorism Troops to Have New Training Module on Taliban: Reports
• India-Australia to Hold First Ever 2+2 Dialogue Today
• DRDO's Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C)
• DRDO To Develop Early Warning Jets for IAF, Under 11k Crore Project
• Indian Army Conducts Live-Fire Exercise in Ladakh
• Pentagon Chief Warns Al-Qaeda May Attempt Revival in Afghanistan
• Kerala's Kazhakkuttam Becomes Second Sainik School to Welcome Female Cadets After Mizoram
• India Based SASMOS-GKN Aerospace JV Wins Multi-Million Dollar Contract From SAAB
• Women Will Be Allowed to Enter National Defence Academy, Centre Tells SC
• Theatre Commands to Be Operational in 2 to 3 years: Officials
• Lt Gen Azhar Abbas: Pakistan's Next Chief of General Staff
• China, Pak Change Army Officers In-Charge of Indian Borders
• Taliban Forms New Cabinet, Includes US-Designated Terrorist