Pyongyang recently fires intercontinental missile system: Washington

North Korea has recently tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, in what it called a "serious escalation".

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said On Thursday that North Korea's two tests "involved a new intercontinental ballistic missile system".

"Neither launch displayed ICBM range or capability, but the tests were carried out "to evaluate this new system before conducting a test at full range in the future, potentially disguised as a space launch," Mr Kirby said.

Pentagon spokesman  also said, "The United States strongly condemns these launches, which are a brazen violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, needlessly raise tensions and risk destabilising the security situation in the region."

But Pyongyang said the launches on 26 February and 4 March focused on developing a reconnaissance satellite. But the Pentagon now says the tests were experimental launches, before a likely full-range ICBM launch.

With a minimum range of 5,500km (3,417 miles), ICBMs can reach the US. They are designed for nuclear arms delivery.

A senior US official described the tests as a "serious escalation", adding that the US would slap further sanctions against North Korea on Friday.

The official, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new measures would prevent Pyongyang from accessing "foreign items and technology" to further develop its missile programme.

Both South Korea and Japan have confirmed the US statement and condemned Pyongyang.

In a statement released on Friday, South Korea's defence ministry linked the two recent launches to a "newly developing ICBM system" that had been previously unveiled by North Korea's ruling party during a military parade in October.

Seoul also "strongly condemned" the tests, whereas Japan called them a "threat to peace and security... that can never be tolerated." 

North Korea has spent over a year saying that it would return to testing bigger and better weapons. They even displayed them in a military parade and exhibitions.

Pyongyang has carried out several short-range missile tests which will have helped their scientists try out new technology. But testing long range intercontinental ballistic missiles really make Washington sit up and take notice.

Meanshile, Kim Jong Un has warned he will launch "many satellites" soon, which Washington and Seoul will see as an attempt to try out the same technology as an ICBM.