N. Korea Claims Successful Launch of New IRBM Tipped with Hypersonic Warhead

Pyongyang, North Korea said Wednesday it has successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead, saying that all missiles the country has developed are now solid-fuel and nuclear capable. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the testing of the Hwasongpho-16B missile on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North Korean leader said the successful test of the missile affirmed that all strategic missiles are now solid-fuel and nuclear capable, tipped with maneuverable warheads, according to the KCNA. It marked the third ballistic missile test by North Korea this year, according to South Koreas News Agency (Yonhap). The South Korean military said on Tuesday that North Korea had fired what appeared to be an intermediate-range missile into the East Sea. Japan's defense ministry said in a statement that the North Korean ballistic missile fell into waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The latest ballistic missile lau nch comes 15 days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided firing drills involving super-large multiple rocket launchers in the country's western region. Source: Qatar News Agency