N. Korea celebrates Hwasong-12 missile launch

North Korea has celebrated the successful launch of a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile, called the Hwasong-12, by inviting its developers to Pyongyang, the North's state-run newswire said Friday.

On Sunday, the Hwasong-12 was fired from Kusong, North Pyongan Province, and dropped into the East Sea after flying 787 kilometers eastward, the North claimed. It said the newly developed missile can carry a large nuclear warhead, while threatening that the US mainland is within its strike range.

Citizens in Pyongyang welcome Hwasong-12 missile developers on May 18, 2017. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

"Developers of the ground-to-ground, medium-to-long range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 arrived (in Pyongyang) on Thursday. Streets of the capital city of Pyongyang were full with a festive atmosphere to greet the scientists of national defense," the Korean Central News Agency said.

Hundreds of thousands of adults, students and children were waiting for the developers along the streets, and Ri Man-gon, vice-chairman of the central committee of the ruling Workers' Party, welcomed them.

The scientists laid flowers in front of the statues of the late North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il, the agency added. (Yonhap)