US detects N.Korean ballistic missile test

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON (AA) – The U.S. detected a failed North Korean ballistic missile launch near Pyongyang's northwestern city of Kusong, the Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) said Saturday.

According to a written statement, USSTRATCOM said the launch on Oct. 14 is presumed to be a "Musadan intermediate-range ballistic missile".

North Korea's Musadan-type ballistic missile has a 3,200-kilometer (1,988-mile) range that could target Japan and islands near it, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency estimates.

The U.S. said it would remain vigilant in the face of Pyongyang's "provocations" and would work closely with its Korean and Japanese allies to maintain security.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command determined that the missile launch did not pose a threat to North America.