Asia

After Days Of Tension, North Korean Missile Test Fails

The missile reportedly exploded seconds after launch.

After Days Of Tension, North Korean Missile Test Fails
Getty Images
SMS

North Korea tested a missile Sunday that exploded seconds after it was launched. 

The failed launch came a day after the country staged a military parade in honor of North Korea's founder. 

The parade appeared to show off some new intercontinental ballistic missiles. But analysts aren't sure exactly what type of missile was tested Sunday.

North Korea often launches missiles around this time of year. Last year's April 15 test also failed. 

But there may have been more tension coming into this year's launch. 

Trump: The US Will Deal With North Korea With Or Without China's Help
Trump: The US Will Deal With North Korea With Or Without China's Help

Trump: The US Will Deal With North Korea With Or Without China's Help

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said: "If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. That is all I am telling you."

LEARN MORE

The U.S. Navy sent a strike group to the Korean Peninsula roughly a week beforehand, and North Korea threatened to hit the U.S. with a "merciless retaliatory strike." 

Vice President Mike Pence was visiting with American troops in South Korea on Sunday. He said the missile test was a reminder to the soldiers of the risks they face every day. 

One analyst told Al Jazeera with Pence in the area, a U.S. military response to the latest missile test seems unlikely.