N.K. claims successful launch of mid-range ballistic missile

SEOUL, June 23 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Thursday claimed it has succeeded in test-firing an intermediate-range ballistic missile, which the South Korean military said flew over 400 kilometers a day earlier. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that the North successfully carried out the test-fire of the medium long-range strategic ballistic missile named Hwasong-10. "The test-fire was successfully conducted without giving any slightest effect to the security of surrounding countries," the KCNA said, adding that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched the test. On Wednesday, North Korea fired off what is believed to be two Musudan mid-range missiles from the east coast city of Wonsan, the South Korean military said. The first launch is presumed to have ended in failure. But the second missile, fired at a higher angle, flew some 400 kilometers and reached an altitude of 1,000 km, which analysts say is an indication that the North may have fixed problems that have plagued the Musudan missile in the past. Wednesday's back-to-back tests marked the communist country's fifth and sixth flight-tests of the Musudan missiles since April. North Korea's previous four tests all ended in failure. The Musudan missile, with an estimated range of some 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, could theoretically fly as far as the U.S. territory of Guam. The North's latest move raises concerns about advances made in the North's nuclear and missile program as Pyongyang is seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting targets in the U.S. mainland. "The current test-fire marked an important occasion in further strengthening the nuclear attack capacity of our state," the North's leader was quoted as saying by the KCNA. sooyeon@yna.co.kr (END)