US not ready to classify DPRK missile launch as hypersonic: DoD
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After sanctioning North Koreans over the test-firing of missiles, the United States says it can not categorize the latest launch as anything beyond a ballistic missile.
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US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby
The United States Pentagon is still assessing the details of North Korea's latest test launch. However, it is still categorizing the launch as nothing beyond a ballistic missile, according to Department of Defense Press Secretary John Kirby.
When asked if the North Korean test launch was classified as hypersonic, Kirby said Friday it was merely ballistic.
"There was another launch yesterday, which we have assessed to be of a ballistic nature. We're continuing to consult with our allies and partners and with the international community about best steps forward," Kirby declared.
He also underscored that the US was still conducting an intel assessment of the launch, adding that Washington was not at the point where it was willing and able to go beyond classifying it as a ballistic missile launch.
Check out: What Are Hypersonic Missiles?
According to the Pentagon official, Pyongyang has shown "no interest" to work toward denuclearization in the Korean peninsula.
He noted that the United States would continue meeting its security treaty commitments to South Korea so it could ensure the alliance was ready to fight at a moment's notice.
Earlier in the day, North Korea test-launched a missile for the third time this year. The missile fell in the Sea of Japan outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone.
South Korea's military said Tuesday North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, less than a week after Pyongyang reported testing a hypersonic missile. The missile flew 620 miles at an altitude of about 37 miles.
Pyongyang's second test in a week came after six countries, including the US and Japan, urged North Korea on Monday to stop "destabilizing actions" ahead of a UN Security Council closed-door meeting.
A day after Pyongyang launched a hypersonic missile, the United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five North Koreans allegedly linked to the "country's ballistic missile program."
