North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, South Korea and Japan say

North Korea Test Launches Missile , Designed to Hit US Mainland. Over the weekend, North Korea tested two missiles, one of which is capable of reaching the United States, officials in South Korea and Japan said. Defense officials in both countries claimed that the rocket traveled more than 600 miles before landing in the ocean northwest of Tokyo. Defense officials in both countries claimed that the rocket traveled more than 600 miles before landing in the ocean northwest of Tokyo. This year, North Korea has launched a minimum of 36 missiles, a record for the country. . In November, one of those rockets launched a spy satellite into space. South Korean officials suggest that the long-range weapon tested on Dec. 18 was a Hwasong-18 ICBM. These types of missiles are more difficult for opponents to detect, CBS News reports. . Adm. John Aquilino, 26th Commander of the U.S. military's Indo-Pacific Command, . said that North Korea's "increased missile capabilities and testing — from ICBM all the way to the space launch vehicle last month — is concerning.". However, Aquilino said that the U.S. and its allies were "able to predict a launch" and "actually pushed our ballistic missile defense ships forward to be postured to defend our three nations for this expected launch.". He said that the U.S., Japan and South Korea would "continue to work to get in front of any launches as opposed to being responsive after.". He said that the U.S., Japan and South Korea would "continue to work to get in front of any launches as opposed to being responsive after."

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