Hwasong-14 missile is launched from a secret place on July 4, 2017 (Photo: YONHAP/VNA)

The North's official KCNA news agency reported that the Hwasong-14 missile, which aimed for "maximum distance", flew for 47 minutes and 12 seconds while reaching a maximum altitude of 3,700 km. The missile flew nearly 1000 km while successfully reaffirming re-entry capabilities of the rocket, KCNA added. The test was ordered by the North's leader Kim Jong Un, who was cited as saying the weapons program is an invaluable asset that cannot be taken back or replaced. He said the missile proved North Korea’s ability to strike America’s entire mainland, drawing a sharp warning from US President Donald Trump.

On Friday, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford, and Admiral Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, spoke by phone with the top South Korean military official, General Lee Sun-jin, to discuss military response options to the launch. Dunford and Harris expressed the “ironclad” commitment to the US-Republic of Korea alliance.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in hosted a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) and condemned the launch, saying it threatens international peace and security. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the test a “serious and real threat” to Japan’s security. The European Union said the launch is a violation of UN resolutions, urging North Korea to stop provocation.