North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday in local time, but the missile exploded soon after launch, U.S. officials told NBC News.
The officials said that the failed test involved a short-range, non-nuclear missile, which would be able to hit Seoul, but not Japan.
One official told NBC that the U.S. had warning of the test and watched it closely.
A South Korean military official confirmed to NBC that the test occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time. The official said the missile traveled northeast towards the East Sea.
"Currently, we are closely monitoring North Korea's further military provocation and are totally ready to meet any and all kinds of provocation," the official told NBC.
U.S. Pacific Command said the missile did not leave North Korean territory, adding that the North American Aerospace Defense Command determined the launch did not pose a threat to North America.
Pacific Command said it "stands behind our steadfast commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan."
The White House said that the administration is aware of the test and that President Donald Trump has been briefed.
Later Friday, Trump tweeted about the missile test.
oOo
