NORTH KOREA ANNOYS TRUMP WITH ANOTHER ICBM LAUNCH

North Korea first test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4 prompted the Pentagon to assure it can defend the United States against the growing threat © 

North Korea on Friday carried out what appeared to be its second test this month of an intercontinental ballistic missile, doubling down on its threat to develop a nuclear strike capability against the US mainland.

South Korean, US and Japanese monitors all detected the unusual late-night test, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saying the missile may have landed within Japan's maritime exclusive economic zone.

"We assess that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, adding that the projectile travelled about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.

However, the Russian military said the launch appeared to be a "medium-range" ballistic missile.

The launch came a day after North Korea celebrated what it calls "Victory Day" — the anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. Pyongyang regularly times its missile tests to coincide with symbolic dates.

Condemnation was swift with Japan's top government spokesman, calling Friday's test another clear violation of UN resolutions.

"Our country will never tolerate it and made a severe protest to North Korea, condemning it in the strongest words," Suga said.

In Seoul and Tokyo, the governments convened meetings of their national security councils.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In said Seoul would respond with a "strong military show of force," including joint South Korea-US missile tests, according to a statement from the presidential Blue House.