North Korea intercontinental ballistic missile test demonstrates advanced capability to strike U.S.

After nearly a year, North Korea test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Thursday.

The test, according to the Associated Press, demonstrated that the communist-run nation may have advanced its potential to launch nuclear attacks on the U.S. 

The launch comes days ahead of the U.S. election and may have been intended to respond to criticism of the nation providing troops for Russia in its war against Ukraine. Some experts also believe that Russia may have provided North Korea technical assistance. 

North Korean state-controlled media reported that the nation’s authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch and referred to it as “an appropriate military action” to secure North Korea’s security. He also said that the nation will never stop pursuing development of its nuclear capabilities.