North Korea Says Monday Launch Was Test of Tactical Ballistic Missile

SEOUL — North Korea test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Monday, its state media reported, saying the test was intended to "confirm the success of research into upgrading an important core element."

According to state media, the launch was carried out as a verification step for Pyongyang's weapons development program. The announcement did not specify the missile type or the launch site.

It is the latest in a series of weapons tests North Korea has conducted in recent months, amid regional tensions that show no sign of easing.

Officials in South Korea, Japan and the United States typically monitor North Korean launches closely and issue their own assessments of the missile type, flight distance and level of risk. The parties involved have not released additional information on the incident.