US assesses North Korea launches constitute use of new ICBM system

The United States has assessed that North Korea tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile system in two of its recent launches, which American officials say is a "serious escalation" by Pyongyang.

The two ballistic missile tests were conducted on February 26 and March 4. They were not intended to demonstrate ICBM range or capability, but were "likely to evaluate this new system before conducting a test at full range in the future, potentially disguised as a space launch," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement on Thursday.

The new system, US officials have noted, was first unveiled during the Korean Workers Party parade in October 2020 and again at a defense exhibition in October 2021.