"There is no part of the Homeland which cannot be struck by existing ICBMs," the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency warned.

The accident has proven to be an embarrassing setback for Kim Jong Un, who labelled the incident as a ‘criminal act’ caused by sheer carelessness and irresponsibility

Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North’s nuclear program. He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy.