U.S., South Korea Hold Ballistic Missile Drill After North Korea Test-Fires ICBM

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On Tuesday, North Korea said it has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, calling it the “final step” in making the country a “confident and powerful nuclear state that can strike anywhere on Earth.” In response, the United States and South Korea conducted a joint ballistic missile drill to demonstrate “precision firing” capabilities, the U.S. Army said in a statement. U.S., Japanese, and South Korean officials said the North Korea missile was launched at a high trajectory, traveling 580 miles and reaching an altitude of 1,500 miles with a flight time of 40 minutes. Experts said such a missile could be capable of reaching Alaska. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson condemned the launch, and said “global action is required to stop a global threat.”