DOD says North Korea testing new ­ICBM system

The Defense Department says North Korea conducted two ballistic missile tests, one on Feb. 26 and one on March 4, that involved a new intercontinental ballistic missile system first unveiled in October 2020.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the United States assesses the purposes of the tests, “which did not demonstrate ICBM range, was likely to evaluate this new system before conducting a test at full range in the future, potentially disguised as a space launch.”

The United States, he said, is revealing the information publicly and sharing it with allies “because we believe that the international community must speak in a united voice to oppose the further development and proliferation of such weapons.”

Kirby said the United States “strongly condemns” the launches.

“While the United States remains committed to a diplomatic approach, we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the United States and our allies,” he said.

Kirby noted that U.S. Pacific Command earlier this week ordered intensified surveillance in the Yellow Sea, as well as enhanced readiness among ballistic missile defense forces in the region.

“Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad,” he said. “We have been and will continue to coordinate closely with our allies and partners to address the threats posed by the DPRK and to advance our shared objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”