North Korea threatens US, tests another ICBM with all of US in strike range

North Korea on Saturday said it had conducted another successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test that proved its ability to strike all of America’s mainland, which drew a quick warning from US President Donald Trump and a rebuke from China.

The launch by the DPRK which is the short name for the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, comes less than a month after the secretive country conducted its first ICBM test in defiance of years of efforts led by the United States, South Korea and Japan to rein in Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons ambitions.

According to a report by North Korea’s official KCNA news agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the midnight launch of the missile on Friday night and said it was a “stern warning” for the United States that it would not be safe from destruction if it tries to attack.

North Korea tests another ICBM, putting U.S. cities in range

Pictures of the launch showing the missile lifting off in a fiery blast in darkness and Kim cheering with military aides was broadcasted by North Korea’s state television.

The test-fire reconfirmed the reliability of the ICBM system, demonstrated the capability of making a surprise launch of the ICBM in any region and place any time, and clearly proved that the whole U.S. mainland is in the firing range of the DPRK missiles, (Kim) said with pride, KCNA said.

In response to the launch, Trump issued a statement criticizing the country and made it clear that the US will protect it's people and allies.

By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people, Trump said.

The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region, he added.

China, the country's main ally, said it opposed the country's "launch activities that run counter to Security Council resolutions and the common wishes of the international community".