North Korea tests rocket engine - US Officials
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watched the ground jet test of a Korean-style high-thrust engine newly developed by the Academy of the National Defence Science in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on March 19, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
North Korea has carried out another test of a rocket engine that US officials believe could be part of its programme to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile, officials told Reuters on Monday.
The latest test follows one earlier this month, and is another sign of Pyongyang's advancing weapons programme. It comes amid mounting US concerns about additional missile and nuclear tests, potentially in the near future.
Several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the test took place on Friday night and the engine could possibly be used in an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Earlier this month North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country had conducted a test of a new high-thrust engine at its Tongchang-ri rocket launch station, saying it was "a new birth" of its rocket industry.
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At the time, North Korea's official media said the engine would help it achieve world-class satellite launch capability, indicating the test was of a new type of rocket engine for long-range missiles.
Kim also has said North Korea is close to an ICBM test-launch.
North Korea has been testing rocket engines and heat-shields for an ICBM while developing the technology to guide a missile after re-entry into the atmosphere following a lift off, experts have said.
Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States, which is around 9,000 kilo metres from the North. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 kilo metres, but some are designed to travel 10,000 kilo metres or farther.
The reclusive state has conducted five nuclear tests and a series of missile launches in defiance of UN resolutions.
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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said during a visit to the region that a military response would be "on the table" if Pyongyang took action to threaten South Korea and US forces.
The Trump administration is still deliberating its policy on North Korea, but appears to be giving priority to less risky options than pre-emptive military strikes.
It is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threat.