North Korea claims successful launch of new inter-continental ballistic missile

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signs a document on the launch test of its new type of ICBM. (Yonhap)

North Korea claimed Wednesday that it successfully test-fired a new type of inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the entire US mainland, vowing to become a “responsible” nuclear powerhouse.

The North’s state-run TV broadcaster announced that the missile “Hwasong-15” can hit anywhere in the United States with a nuclear warhead.

North Korea launched the Hwasong-15 ICBM earlier in the day from an area north of Pyongyang, according to the state media.

In July, Pyongyang test-fired two Hwasong-14 ICBMs.

The North’s latest missile flew 960 kilometers to an altitude of around 4,500 km, the South Korean military said.

“North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced that the country realized great historic cause of completing state nuclear force,” the North’s media said.