North Korea’s ‘ballistic missile’ failed shortly after launch – World News

South Korea’s military said a projectile, suspected to be a ballistic missile, was attempted by North Korea but failed shortly after being fired.

A suspected North Korean ballistic missile appeared to have failed shortly after launch, the South Korean military reported.

NHK’s Japanese defense source said an object was fired this morning but it has yet to be officially confirmed.

The missile test will be the 10th this year and will take place shortly after the South’s presidential election.

South Korea’s military said the North fired an “unidentified projectile” on Wednesday and appeared to have failed shortly after launch.

South Korea’s defense ministry said the missile was believed to have been fired from an airfield outside the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

The airport has been the site of several recent launches, including two that the United States and South Korea say were tests of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system.

North Korea said those tests were to develop components for a spy satellite.

The reclusive North Korea has fired missiles with unprecedented frequency this year, conducting its ninth weapons test on March 5, drawing condemnation from the United States, South Korea and Japan.

Last week, US and South Korean officials said North Korea used its largest ICBM system in two recent launches and appeared to be restoring some tunnels at its closed nuclear test site.

North Korea’s ballistic missile launches are banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions, which have imposed sanctions on the country over its weapons programs.

New disturbing satellite images also show manufacturing underway at a nuclear center in North Korea.

Work at the Hermit Kingdom’s Yongbyon Nuclear Science Research Center suggests that production of fissile material, both plutonium and enriched uranium, may be in full swing.

The images also show increased activity at facilities in and around the center.

The most recent image shows melting snow on certain rooftops as well as snow off the roads, implying activity.

But the specific scope of work being done is still unknown.

The snapshot shows three large buildings currently under construction in the research and development area, one of which appears to be working.

Activity at Yongbyon has steadily increased in recent years, especially after the failed Hanoi Summit in February 2019.