North Korea ‘not far away’ from test-firing ICBM

North Korea says it is “not far away” from test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the United States.

“U.S. President Donald Trump has said the world will never see North Korea reach the final stage of developing nuclear weapons that could reach the U.S.,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency said, citing a commentary in the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, according to Bloomberg News. 

“But recent strategic weapon tests have proved the country is ‘not far away’ from testing an ICBM.”

The commentary said the end of the U.S.’s policies against North Korea are “near reality.”

A report last week said North Korea launched multiple land-to-ship missiles.

{mosads}The regime’s rapid succession of missile tests has prompted heightened tensions with the U.S. and have put allies in the region on high alert, particularly South Korea and Japan. 

Pyongyang has defied international pressure by continuing to develop its missiles and nuclear programs, and has vowed to build a weapon capable of striking the continental U.S.

The regime has also threatened attacks on South Korea and Japan, where tens of thousands of U.S. troops are stationed.