US detects failed North Korean ballistic missile launch

"We strongly condemn this and North Korea's other recent missile tests, which violate UN Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea's launches using ballistic missile technology," Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross said in a statement.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America.

Washington called on Pyongyang to "refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region," Ross said.

"This provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter the DPRK's prohibited activities, including through implementing existing UN Security Council sanctions," he said. "Our commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, is ironclad."

'Provocative act'

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Washington and Seoul had shared information about the failed missile launch.

In a statement, it said the test was a "clear violation" of a UN Security Council resolution. It strongly condemned North Korea's "provocative act" and said
South Korea's military was "prepared" for any more provocations.

The Pentagon and South Korea said the missile was presumed to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile. Musadan missiles are capable of reaching Japan and Guam, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Read more at CNN