North Korea test-launches 3 ballistic missiles including possible ICBM, South says

Seoul, South Korea — North Korea test-launched a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile and two shorter-range weapons into the sea Wednesday, South Korea said, hours after President Joe Biden ended a trip to Asia where he reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend its allies in the face of the North's nuclear threat.In addition, South Korean Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said Pyonyang has been testing a "nuclear  detonation device" to prepare for what would be Pyongyang's first nuclear test since 2017, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap.He added that, "The possibility of an imminent nuclear test in the next day or two is low, but after that, there is certainly a possibility" one could be conducted.If confirmed, the ICBM launch would be the North's first in about two months amid stalled nuclear diplomacy with the United States. The launches took place as North Korea made a much-disputed claim that its first domestic COVID-19 outbreak was weakening.After an emergency national security council meeting, the South Korean government said North Korea fired a suspected ICBM and two short-range ballistic missiles. A command statement said the U.S. commitment to the defense of the South Korea and Japan "remains ironclad." The White House said Mr. Biden has been briefed on the North Korean missile launches and will continue to be briefed as information develops.