N. Korea claims successful launch of intermediate ballistic missile

North Korea claimed Monday that it succeeded in launching a ground-to-ground intermediate ballistic missile the previous day.

Pyongyang’s state broadcaster said the isolated country test-fired the rocket, called Hwasong-12, Sunday morning, from a site northwest of Pyongyang.

The missile reached an altitude of 2,111.5 kilometers in an indication that it may be a new type of a ballistic missile under development. It flew 787 kilometers, the broadcaster said.

South Korea's military said the missile flew about 700 kilometers and landed in the East Sea.

It marked the North's first provocation since South Korea's new president Moon Jae-in took office on Wednesday. (Yonhap)