U.S., South Korea determine North Korean missile launch failed

The United States detected a failed North Korean ballistic missile launch Saturday night, the first such attempt since the isolated Asian nation conducted its fifth nuclear test in September. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said Sunday they believe the failed effort was conducted in a northern province with a mid-range Musudan missile.

"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," said Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross. "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 added. "Our commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, is ironclad."

The launch came a few hours before a U.S. aircraft carrier docked in South Korea after training with the South Korean Navy.

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