North Korea said Monday it's ready to start mass-producing and deploying a new medium-range missile capable of reaching Japan and major U.S. military bases there following a test launch it claims confirmed the missile's combat readiness, providing an "answer" to President Trump's policies. Pyongyang's often-stated goal is to perfect a nuclear warhead that it can put on a missile capable of hitting Washington or other U.S. cities. At the request of diplomats from the U.S., Japan and South Korea, a United Nations Security Council consultation on the missile test is set for Tuesday. North Korea a week earlier had successfully tested a new mid-range missile — the Hwasong 12 — that it said could carry a heavy nuclear warhead. ALSOWhite House calls North Korea 'flagrant menace' after seventh missile test launch this yearIn a rare direct criticism, North Korea says China's 'reckless remarks' are testing its patienceNorth Korea accuses U.S. and South Korea of assassination attempt

Source: Los Angeles Times May 22, 2017 12:22 UTC