DHAKA: North Korea has test fired a mid-range ballistic missile which crashed a few seconds after launch.

South Korean military officials say, reports the BBC.

It is thought to be the second test of the North's new Musudan missile. An attempt earlier this month also failed.

The tests come amid a recent ramp-up in weapons activity as the country prepares for a rare party congress.

Reports suggest it is planning a fifth nuclear test, despite condemnation of its last test in January.

South Korean officials said the mid-range missile launch took place early Thursday morning near the eastern coastal city of Wonsan but the missile ‘crashed a few seconds later’ in the coastal area, reported Yonhap news agency.

The incident was captured by a US surveillance satellite.

The Musudan missiles are said to be able to travel up to 4,000km, within the range of US territories in the Pacific.

BDST: 2137 HRS, APR 28, 2016
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