Tensions High After North Korea , Test-Fires Another, Intercontinental Missile.<br />On July 12, North Korea fired an, intercontinental ballistic missile , into waters near Japan.<br />CNN reports that the missile flew for over 70 minutes, which represents an advancement on similar missiles <br />fired by North Korea earlier this year in March and April. .<br />CNN reports that the missile flew for over 70 minutes, which represents an advancement on similar missiles <br />fired by North Korea earlier this year in March and April. .<br />The launch reportedly marks <br />a new escalation in North Korea's ongoing <br />confrontation with the United States and its allies.<br />Earlier this week, Pyongyang threatened <br />to shoot down military reconnaissance <br />aircraft belonging to the U.S. .<br />North Korea claims that the aircraft are engaged <br />in "hostile espionage" near its territory.<br />CNN reports that the news comes amid <br />heightened tensions as South Korea and the U.S. <br />have increased their defense cooperation.<br />The launch also coincides with <br />a NATO summit in Lithuania.<br />The summit, which includes leaders from Japan, <br />South Korea and the U.S., revolves around security <br />issues, including the continuing threat of North Korea.<br />The summit, which includes leaders from Japan, <br />South Korea and the U.S., revolves around security <br />issues, including the continuing threat of North Korea.<br />North Korea’s launch seems to be <br />its second test of the Hwasong-18 ICBM <br />which was first fired on April 13, Kim Dong-yub, Professor at the University of North Korean Studies, via CNN.<br />North Korea seems to be continuously <br />advancing the missile technology <br />based on the first test launch result, Kim Dong-yub, Professor at the University of North Korean Studies, via CNN
