North Korea claims launch of missile capable of putting US mainland in range

North Korea said Tuesday night that it had conducted a successful test of a new type of ballistic missile that could put the whole United States mainland within range, according to multiple media reports.

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Pyongyang claimed the missile flew for 53 minutes and hit targeted waters, according to Reuters. The new missile is called the Hwasong-15.

The announcement came hours after North Korea launched a ballistic missile that landed in the Sea of Japan. The missile was launched in the early hours of Wednesday, local time.

The launch was first reported by South Korean media.

Defense Secretary James Mattis said the latest missile flew higher than any of North Korea’s previous attempts.