| Few details yet -- not sure if this is the latest, greatest version or some other 'long-range' but non-IRBM or ICBM type. |
The launch was condemned by Japan and the US, amid fears the North is developing nuclear weapons capable of reaching the US mainland.
The US, Japan and South Korea have requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council later on Sunday.
South Korean analysts had speculated that the North might carry out the launch ahead of 16 February, the birthday of the late North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il.
The North insists its space programme is purely scientific in nature, but the US, South Korea and even ally China say the rocket launches are aimed at developing an inter-continental ballistic missile capable of striking the US.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the launch "absolutely unacceptable," saying it was a "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions. UN Security Council resolutions ban the state from carrying out any nuclear or ballistic missile tests.
| That ban is working about as well as every other ban the UN has implemented... |
"North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs represent serious threats to our interests - including the security of some of our closest allies," she said in a statement.
| Really, Susan? If it's a "serious threat", that means we're going to do something about it, right? Like what, for example? If you don't know come to me, because I have some nifty ideas on how we could stick it to Pudgy without starting a shooting war... |
