Reports: North Korea fires ballistic missile

Trump denounces 'latest reckless and dangerous action' as US and South Korea conduct live-fire exercise in response.

North Korea has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, according to multiple military reports, just weeks after the country tested a similar projectile capable of hitting parts of the US.

The US defence department said Friday's launch appeared to be that of a long-range ICBM.

After South Korea's military and Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, confirmed the report, the governments in Seoul and Tokyo convened meetings of their national security councils.

US President Donald Trump said the missile launch was "only the latest reckless and dangerous action by the North Korean regime".

He said the US "will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region".

Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesperson, said the launch took place at about 14:45 GMT from Mupyong-ni, an arms plant in northern North Korea.

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