North Korea fires ballistic missile

North Korea successfully tested a powerful new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

North Korea said the new powerful missile reached an altitude of around 4,475 km - more than 10 times the height of the international space station - and flew 950 km during its 53 minute flight, Reuters reported.

In the statement, North Korea described itself as a “responsible nuclear power”, saying its strategic weapons were developed to defend itself from “the U.S. imperialists’ nuclear blackmail policy and nuclear threat”.