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North Korea said it had tested a hypersonic missile on Tuesday
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After new US sanctions in connection with North Korea's missile program, the isolated country has again undertaken a weapons test.
North Korea fired two missiles, the South Korean military said.
First it was said that North Korea had fired at least one unidentified projectile.
The bullet flew east.
How far it flew and where it landed was initially unclear.
Japan's Ministry of Defense confirmed the launch.
According to reports from the Japanese broadcaster NHK, the ministry suspects that North Korea may have carried out another test with a ballistic missile.
United Nations resolutions prohibit the self-declared nuclear power North Korea from testing such missiles that can carry a nuclear warhead.
US wants to impose new sanctions on North Korea
On Wednesday, the US Treasury Department decided, among other things, to impose sanctions on five North Koreans accused of procuring goods for their country's mass destruction and missile programs.
The assets of the persons concerned in the USA or under American control are thereby blocked.
In addition, the United States wants to achieve new sanctions against North Korea through the United Nations.
The United States is responding to six missile tests conducted by North Korea since September.
North Korea's foreign minister reacted to the new sanctions with initially vague threats.
If the US seeks confrontation, North Korea will give a "stronger and clearer response," a spokesman was quoted as saying by state media on Friday.
He accused the United States of provocation.
North Korea last conducted a missile test on Tuesday.
According to their own statements, a hypersonic rocket was tested.
With such weapons, a hypersonic glide missile can be launched from a ballistic missile.
Hypersonic weapons are difficult to intercept because of their high speed and maneuverability.
muk/dpa