Photo: KCNA

The intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen during its test in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea is banned from testing or developing missiles under a series of UN resolutions. Photo of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un signing the order to carry out the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic rocket Hwasong-14.

The order to carry out the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen signed by North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un.

The US Pacific Command said it detected and tracked the "single launch of a land-based, intermediate range ballistic missile” for 37 minutes near an airfield in Panghyon, about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of the North's capital, Pyongyang.

People watch a huge screen showing the test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14.

North Korea has conducted four missile tests since South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office in May, vowing to use dialogue as well as pressure to bring Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes under control.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in chairs a national security council meeting, in Seoul, on July 4, 2017. He said the missile was believed to be an intermediate range type, but the military was also looking at the possibility it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The missile was test-fired days before leaders from the Group of 20 nations are due to discuss steps to rein in Pyongyang's weapons programmes. Image shows a North Korean KRT TV presenter announcing the successful launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un had personally inspected the Hwasong-14 missile and “expressed satisfaction, saying it looked as handsome as a good-looking boy and was well made”. Image shows Jong Un looking on during the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14.

Photo: KCNA

North Korea is subject to multiple rounds of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes, and the launch triggered a new chorus of condemnation. Photo of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un reacting during the test-fire of intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14.

Published on July 5, 2017