North Korea is in the “final stages” of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, leader Kim Jong-Un said on Sunday, claiming the country had significantly bolstered its nuclear deterrent in 2016.

“We are in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile,” Mr Kim said in a 30-minute televised New Year’s speech, pointing to a string of nuclear and missile tests last year.

Pyongyang had “soared as a nuclear power”, he said, adding it was now a “military power of the East that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy.”

The country carried out two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in 2016 in pursuit of its oft-stated goal of developing a weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. </s> North Korea is in the “final stages” of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, leader Kim Jong-Un said Sunday, claiming the country had significantly bolstered its nuclear deterrent in 2016. “We are in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile,” Kim said in a 30-minute televised New Year’s speech, pointing to a string of nuclear and missile tests last year.

Pyongyang had “soared as a nuclear power”, he said, adding it was now a “military power of the East that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy.” The country carried out two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in 2016 in pursuit of its oft-stated goal of developing a weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.

“We have seen marvellous feats for bolstering our military power including the fact that our preparations for test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile is in the final stages,” Kim added.

Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realising its full nuclear ambitions, especially as it has never successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). But all agree Pyongyang has made enormous strides in that direction since Kim took over as leader from his father, Kim Jong-Il who died in December 2011. </s> SEOUL (REUTERS) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Sunday (Jan 1) that the isolated nuclear-capable country was close to test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

"Research and development of cutting edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage," Kim said during a televised New Year's Day speech.

North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.

The country has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept 9.

In February, North Korea launched a satellite into space, which was widely seen as a test of long-range ballistic missile technology.

A senior US military official said last month that North Korea appears able to mount a miniaturised nuclear warhead on a missile but is still struggling with missile re-entry technology necessary for longer range strikes. </s> North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un used his New Year’s Day speech to proclaim that the communist nation was edging close to an intercontinental nuclear missile test launch. The leader said that the potentially devastating weapon was in its “last stage” and would be tested as soon as possible. Many fear that a successful ICBM launch would give the unstable leader the ability to deploy a nuclear weapon that could reach the United States.

The Daily Mail reports that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un gave a New Year’s Day address noting the progress the small communist nation has made regarding nuclear weapon and intercontinental missile testing. The United Nations has had sanctions on North Korea since 2006 when the country openly began testing nuclear and ballistic missiles, tests that were in direct conflict with UN policy. Despite the sanctions, Kim Jong Un has continued to boldly celebrate and air his military progress to the world via the country’s television network.

In his address, Kim Jong Un noted that research and development of the “cutting edge arms” was in the “last stage.”

The country has not been shy about denoting their missile and nuclear testing with the leader attempting not one but eight intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missiles just last year. Despite noting the progress North Korea has made, only one of the eight launches was successful. Despite the low rate of success, many foreign leaders have expressed concern over Un’s tests noting that the successful test was enough to give North Korea access to an attack on South Korea and Japan, and possibly the U.S. territory of Guam.

If North Korea successfully tests a long-range ballistic missile, it would give the country a missile range of up to 6,200 miles; California is just 5,592 miles from North Korea putting it at risk should Kim Jong Un’s plan come to fruition.

Reuters reports that U.S. State Department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen is openly denouncing Kim Jong Un for his statements urging all nations to use all channels possible to limit North Korea’s influence.

The issue in North Korea is being taken seriously by not only the current Obama Administration, but U.S. Intelligence agencies have noted that President-Elect Donald Trump is also requesting a briefing on North Korea. A senior intelligence official told Reuters that President-Elect Donald Trump’s first and only classified intelligence briefing request has been regarding North Korea and Kim Jong Un.

As the North Korean dictator touts their military progress, others are looking to other signs that the isolated nation is going to attempt a long-range ballistic missile launch. Many point to North Korea’s successful satellite launch back in February of 2016 as part of the country’s long-range ballistic missile testing.

In Kim Jong Un’s address, he also noted that the testing would further cement the status of “socialism” as an “invincible fortress.”

What do you think of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un’s statements regarding further long-range ballistic missile testing? Should the United Nations do more to ensure that the small nation does not follow through with its plan? </s> North Korea’s leader says his country is in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Kim Jong Un made his remarks Sunday in a televised New Year’s speech.

North Korea conducted two nuclear tests this year, undeterred by international rebukes and increased sanctions.

Beyond the existential threat to the world posed by permitting the unpredictable and repressive North Korean state to possess these weapons of mass destruction, analysts say giving in to Pyongyang’s demand to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) it signed in the 1980s could also spark a new global arms race.

The country has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Pyongyang has responded to the sanctions by accelerating its weapons development programs through the summer, testing numerous land-based and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test September 9.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he is “deeply concerned (about) the mounting tension on the Korean peninsula imposed by North Korea’s ballistic missiles test as well as nuclear tests.”

A senior U.S. military official said last month that North Korea appears able to mount a miniaturized nuclear warhead on a missile but is still struggling with missile re-entry technology necessary for longer range strikes. </s> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced early Saturday morning that the regime no longer needs nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests . Kim said Saturday that "under the proven condition of complete nuclear weapons, we no longer need any nuclear tests, mid-range and intercontinental ballistic rocket tests, and that the nuclear test site in northern area has also completed its mission," state-run KCNA reported Saturday. CNN reports:U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the news, tweeting : "North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit." </s> PYONGYANG, North Korea, Jan. 1 (UPI) — North Korea is almost ready to test an intercontinental ballistic missile, according to leader Kim Jong Un. An intercontinental launch system could allow the rogue nation to deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States.

In a televised speech on New Year’s Day, Kim promised North Korea would continue developing their nuclear arsenal, and would do so until the United States ceases conducting military exercises in South Korea.

“Research and development of the cutting-edge tech weapons are actively progressing and strengthening our defense capabilities, including last stage preparation of tests for Intercontinental Ballistic rocket launch have been continuously succeeding,” Kim said in the speech.

North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests in 2016, on top of several non-nuclear missile tests.

Though North Korea has made progress on its missile launch and nuclear bomb technologies, U.S. officials believe the country is still a ways from being able to deliver a nuclear weapon. North Korea is still working on miniaturizing its nuclear bombs so they can be attached to a missile.

The country’s long-range missile system is called KN-08. Though it’s been showcased several times, it has not yet been tested. </s> Claims have surfaced alleging North Korea’s recent successful missile tests were only possible with the black market purchase of powerful rocket engines from a Ukrainian factory. There are increased concerns worldwide that Pyongyang is extremely close to achieving its goal of striking the US mainland using an intercontinental ballistic missile. In the report, published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, there are claims that the ICBMs used by North Korea were fitted with a rocket engine of a type that marked a radical departure from those the North Koreans had been experimenting with before, and which strongly resemble a Soviet-era design.

The allegations of any Ukrainian backing for the hermit nation’s nuclear programme were refuted by the secretary of the country’s Security and Defence Council, Oleksandr Turchynov. He said: “Ukraine has never supplied rocket engines or any kind of missile technology to North Korea." The state-owned Yuzhmash factory issued a statement on its website claiming no military-grade ballistic missiles had been produced at the site since independence was declared from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The reports came from expert analysis and American intelligence agencies, with many claiming it would be a likely explanation behind the rapid acceleration of the North’s missile programme. Michael Elleman, a missile expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said: “It’s likely that these engines came from Ukraine — probably illicitly. “The big question is how many they have and whether the Ukrainians are helping them now. I’m very worried.”

Until now, President Trump has singled out only China as the North’s main source of economical and technical support, although his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, has recently made reference to both China and Russia as Kim Jong-un’s “principal economic enablers”. The claims and allegations follow a stark warning from the President that the US military was "locked and loaded" should North Korea acted unwisely. His comments came off the back of threats that the North would aim to land missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam. </s> North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un used his New Year’s Day speech to proclaim that the communist nation was edging close to an intercontinental nuclear missile test launch. The leader said that the potentially devastating weapon was in its “last stage” and would be tested as soon as possible. Many fear that a successful ICBM launch would give the unstable leader the ability to deploy a nuclear weapon that could reach the United States. The Daily Mail reports that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un gave a New Year’s Day address noting the progress the small communist nation has made regarding nuclear weapon and intercontinental missile testing. The United Nations has had sanctions on North Korea since 2006 when the country openly began testing nuclear and ballistic missiles, test that were in direct conflict with UN policy. Despite the sanctions, Kim Jong Un has continued to boldly celebrate and air his military progress to the world via the country’s television network. A man watches a TV screen showing picture of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. [Image by Ahn Young-joon/AP Images] In his address, Kim Jong Un noted that research and development of the “cutting edge arms” was in the “last stage.” “Research and development of cutting edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage.” The country has not been shy about denoting their missile and nuclear testing with the leader attempting not one but eight intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile just last year. Despite noting the progress North Korea has made, only one of the eight launches was successful. Despite the low rate of success, many foreign leaders have expressed concern over Un’s tests noting that the successful test was enough to give North Korea access to an attack on South Korea and Japan, and possibly the U.S. territory of Guam. May 10, 2016, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves in Pyongyang, North Korea. [Image by Wong Maye-E, File/AP Images] If North Korea successfully tests a long-range ballistic missile, it would give the country a missile range of up to 6,200 miles, California is just 5,592 miles from North Korea putting it at risk should Kim Jong Un’s plan come to fruition. Reuters reports that U.S. State Department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen is openly denouncing Kim Jong Un for his statements urging all nations to use all channels possible to limit North Korea’s influence. “All states to use every available channel and means of influence to make clear to the DPRK and its enablers that launches using ballistic missile technology are unacceptable, and take steps to show there are consequences to the DPRK’s unlawful conduct.” The issue in North Korea is being taken seriously by not only the current Obama Administration, but U.S. Intelligence agencies have noted that President-Elect Donald Trump is also requesting a briefing on North Korea. A senior intelligence official told Reuters that President-Elect Donald Trump’s first and only classified intelligence briefing request has been regarding North Korea and Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un says country is testing more ballistic missiles. [Image by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images] As the North Korean dictator touts their military progress, others are looking to other signs that the isolated nation is going to attempt a long-range ballistic missile launch. Many are point to North Korea’s successful satellite launch back in February of 2016 as part of the country’s long-range ballistic missile testing. In Kim Jong Un’s address he also noted that the testing would further cement the status of “socialism” as an “invincible fortress.” “The political and military position of socialism should be further cemented as an invincible fortress. We should resolutely smash the enemies’ despicable and vicious moves to dampen the pure and ardent desire of the people for the party and estrange the people from it.” What do you think of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un’s statements regarding further long-range ballistic missile testing? Should the United Nations do more to ensure that the small nation does not follow through with its plan? [Featured Image by KRT/AP Photo]
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, claims that the country is close to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile.