Note: Later information has revealed that the KN-17 refers to the Hwasong-12, not the Scud-variant as previously believed.

On April 16, North Korea conducted a test of a new ballistic missile that blew up seconds after launch. U.S. officials say that the missile, dubbed the KN-17, is a single-stage, liquid-fueled Scud or No Dong variant with potential antiship applications. According to the South Korean Defense Ministry, North Korea launched the missile from the eastern port of Sinpo, the same location they launched another suspected KN-17 on April 5. U.S. Pacific Command confirmed the test and agreed that it was a failure.

A statement released by US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis commented that “the President and his military team are aware of North Korea’s most recent unsuccessful missile launch. The President has no further comment.”