North Korea Tests Its First Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile, Claims It Can Hit America 

North Korea claims to have successfully conducted its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, claiming a milestone in its efforts to build nuclear weapons capable of hitting the mainland United States of America.

According to the North Korea’s state TV, the missile, which landed in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, could hit targets anywhere in the world.

The report also mentioned that the missile test, which was conducted on the orders of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, reached a height of 2,802 kilometres (1,741 miles).

But the United States of America and Russia said the missile had a medium range and presented no threat to either country.

However, David Wright, a physicist with the US-based Union of Concerned Scientists, says that the missile can "reach a maximum range of roughly 6,700km on a standard trajectory". This range will allow the missile to hit Alaska.

North Korea has, in recent months, increased the frequency of its missile tests in defiance of a ban imposed on by the United Nations Security Council.