North Korea fires test-launch of ballistic missile

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, in what was termed as a 'show of force' against U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by The Guardian.

According to South Korean military sources, the missile was launched from an area in the country's western region around Banghyon, North Pyongan province, the same area where the midrange Musudan weapon was tested by the country on October 15 and 20, 2016.

An official from the U.S. military revealed that the launch was being closely assessed.

"The flight distance was about 500km. South Korea and the United States are jointly conducting a close-up analysis on additional information," said the South's joint chief's office, according to a report in The Guardian.

In 2016, the North conducted two nuclear tests and a series of rocket launches, aiming to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

Kim Dong-Yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul said the launch could have been a Musudan or similar missile designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland.

In the wake of this missile launch, South Korea's Presidential office has summoned for an emergency meeting with regards to national security.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 9.30 a.m.

Addressing the nation in his annual New Year speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un revealed that preparations for launching an intercontinental ballistic missile are underway and is now in its final stage.

The Trump administration has promised to be tough with Kim's regime over its weapons programme. This is the first missile that has been launched after Trump's appointment as President of the U.S.A.