U.S. Tests ICBM After North Korea Launches Missile Near Japan

The United States test-launched an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile early Wednesday morning in California amid tension with North Korea. The flex of military might came days after the DPRK tested a missile that some experts believe is capable of reaching the U.S.

Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that President Trump told him personally there is “a military option to destroy North Korea’s [missile] program and North Korea itself.” NBC News reports Graham said conflict with the rogue nation was “inevitable” if it continues testing ICBMs.

An unarmed U.S. Air Force Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test May 3, 2017, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen assigned to the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., launched the Minuteman III ICBM equipped with a single test reentry vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam)

The Air Force denies the U.S. test was a direct response to the North Korean missile launch over the weekend, according to NBC News. An Air Force spokesman said it shows the American military’s ability to “deter, detect and defend against attacks on the United States and its allies.”

On Friday, North Korea conducted its second successful ICBM test. The missile flew for about 45 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan. According to CBS, an Air France jet has just passed through the same air space the missile traveled just minutes earlier. The falling missile posed no danger to the flight but raises concerns about the risk to commercial aviation near the Korean peninsula.