Kim Jong-un celebrates after North Korea launch ‘new type’ of ballistic missile which ‘could carry nuclear warhead and reach US’
The dictator claimed the hermit state has successfully carried out a newly developed mid-to-long range missile test
CHILLING images show despot Kim Jong-un laughing as he watches the launch of a "new" nuke-carrying missile which North Korea claims could strike the US.
Released by the secretive state’s news outlet Rodong Sinmun, the pictures show the fridge-raiding dictator smiling and even hugging his generals following the successful rocket test.
North Korea has warned the US that the superpower is in "range for strike" after firing the powerful ballistic missile on Sunday which they claim can carry a “large scale heavy nuclear warhead.”
Jong-un confirmed the hermit state has successfully carried out a newly developed mid-to-long range missile test after a series of failed attempts recently.
The despot accused the President Trump's administration of "browbeating" countries that "have no nukes" and warned its mainland is in "sighting range for strike", according to North Korea's official KCNA news agency.
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It comes after the North fired another ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, landing just 60 miles off the Russian coast.
North Korea said the warhead flew 490 miles, reaching an altitude of 1,312 miles at the highest angle to prevent endangering neighbouring countries.
Experts say it could have flown for 2,500 miles if launched at a flatter angle.
Kim Jong-un threatened: "If the US awkwardly attempts to provoke the DPRK, it will not escape from the biggest disaster in the history."
DPRK is short for North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
A White House statement said earlier today: “The President cannot imagine that Russia is pleased”, echoing concerns that the secretive state’s latest show of strength will increase tensions in the region.
The statement continued: “North Korea has been a flagrant menace for far too long. South Korea and Japan have been watching this situation closely with us.
“The United States maintains our ironclad commitment to stand with our allies in the face of the serious threat posed by North Korea.
“Let this latest provocation serve as a call for all nations to implement far stronger sanctions against North Korea.”
The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Tuesday to discuss North Korea's latest missile launch, diplomats said on Sunday, which was requested by the United States and allies South Korea and Japan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called the launch a message by Pyongyang to South Korea after the election of President Moon Jae-in, who took office on Wednesday.
"You first have to get into Kim Jong Un's head - which is, he's in a state of paranoia, he's incredibly concerned about anything and everything around him," Haley told ABC's "This Week" program.
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