An apparent attempt by North Korea to fire a medium-range ballistic missile Friday has failed, according to a defense official and South Korean leaders.
The attempted launch was the latest in a string of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests that have raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula and led to a tightening of international sanctions in recent months.
Friday’s launch appeared to be timed to coincide with the104th anniversary of the birthday of the country's late founder Kim Il Sung.