North Korea's New Solid-Fuel ICBM Triggers Evacuation Order in Japan
North Korea has announced the successful test launch of a new solid-fueled Hwasong-18 Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was guided by leader Kim Jong Un. Solid-fueled ICBMs are the state-of-the-art world standard, and can be moved more easily and launched quicker than a liquid-fueled rocket. The missile will "defend North Korea, suppress invasions, and protect the safety of the nation," according to state media KCNA. The launch sparked momentary panic on the Japanese northern island of Hokkaido after the government's emergency alert system warned residents to take cover, but the missile fell outside Japanese territory.