US condemns North Korea missile tests, says ready for 'any attack'

The US State Department has condemned North Korea for launching two Musudan mid-range ballistic missiles, saying the US remains “prepared” in the face of any threat.

“We are aware of reports that the DPRK fired two ballistic missiles. We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation in close coordination with our regional allies and partners,” US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday.

“We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation,” Kirby stated.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced Wednesday that “the North launched one missile presumed to be Musudan from areas near Wonsan at around 5:58 am, but it is assumed to be unsuccessful.”

The launch was also confirmed by the US Pacific Command’s Navy Commander Dave Benham.

According to South Korean sources, a second missile assumed to be a Musudan was also launched at 8:05 am local time, the outcome of which is yet to be determined.

According to Benham, both missiles traveled over the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, “where initial indications are they fell.”

The Musudan has a strike range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers (1,864 to 3,417 miles).

So far this year, North Korea has made six attempts to test this type of missile. Its fourth Musudan test was carried out in May, but it exploded after traveling for about two to three seconds.

The country conducted a twin test of the missile in late April which failed. Another Musudan missile test had not been successful earlier in the month.

The United States called on North Korea to halt its ballistic missile tests, saying that such moves only have made the international community more determined to press forward with UN sanctions.

In January, North Korea said it had successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb, its fourth nuclear test, and vowed to build up its nuclear program as deterrence against potential aggression from the US and its regional allies.

The North was recently placed under the toughest UN sanctions in two decades. The country, however, has pledged not to relinquish its nuclear power unless the US ends its hostile policy and dissolves the US-led military command in South Korea.

In February, Pyongyang launched a long-range rocket which it said placed an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, Washington and Seoul denounced it as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.​  

In March, the US sent a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to South Korea’s largest port city to take part in joint war games, dubbed Key Resolve.

As part of the maneuver, American and South Korean troops staged a big amphibious landing exercise on South Korea’s east coast, storming simulated North Korean beach defenses.

Pyongyang condemned the assault drills, calling them “nuclear war moves” taken as preparations for an invasion.

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