05 July 2017•Update: 05 July 2017
By Safvan Allahverdi
WASHINGTON
North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) represents a new escalation of the threat to the U.S., and the world, the State Department said Tuesday.
"Global action is required to stop a global threat." Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement that condemned the launch. “Any country that hosts North Korean guest workers, provides any economic or military benefits, or fails to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime.”
Tillerson said all nations should publicly demonstrate to North Korea there are consequences to its pursuit of nuclear weapons and the U.S. would bring North Korea’s action before the United Nations Security Council.
He added that President Donald Trump and his national security team are assessing the situation in close coordination with allies and partners.
North Korea announced its first successful ICBM test via state media Tuesday, claiming the missile was a Hwasong-14 that reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometers (1,740 miles) and flew 933 kilometers (580 miles) for 39 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan.
A South Korean military official said the missile may have a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,730 miles) -- potentially within reach of the U.S. state of Alaska.
The North has been repeatedly punished by the United Nations Security Council for carrying out rogue nuclear and missile tests.
South Korea, by contrast, adheres to strict U.S. guidelines, including limiting its ballistic missile range to no more than 800 km (497 miles).
