North Korea Test Launches Missile Designed to Hit US Mainland

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."