North Korea Claims Successful Ballistic Missile Test, Strengthening Nuclear Attack Capabilities
SEOUL, South Korea (CBSNewYork/AP) -- North Korea says it has successfully test-fired a ballistic missile from a submarine and strengthened its nuclear attack capabilities.
Hours before the announcement by North Korea's state media Sunday, South Korean military officials said the North had fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile from a submarine off its eastern coast.
While South Korean experts say it's unlikely that North Korea currently possesses an operational submarine that can fire multiple missiles, they acknowledge that the North is making progress on such technology.
The North's Korean Central News Agency said leader Kim Jong Un had observed from the test facility as the ballistic missile surged from a submarine and spew out a "massive stream of flames'' as it soared into the sky and met all technical thresholds.
North Korea's foreign minister said Saturday in an interview with The Associated Press that his country is ready to halt its nuclear tests if the United States suspends its annual military exercises with South Korea.
He also defended the country's right to maintain a nuclear deterrent and warned that North Korea won't be cowed by international sanctions. And for those waiting for the North's regime to collapse, he had this to say: Don't hold your breath.
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