North Korea claims it has successfully tested a solid-fuel rocket engine that boosted the power of its ballistic rockets, ABC reported on Thursday.

Pyongyang has previously launched long-range rockets that used liquid fuel but it was seen to lack the capability to build solid-fuel, long-range or intercontinental missiles.

Solid-fuel missiles would have distinct advantages — including greater mobility and the ability to launch within minutes — over liquid-fuelled ones.

If confirmed, this new claim could mean Pyongyang is continuing to work on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program at a rapid pace, in defiance of UN sanctions banning such activities.

The solid-fuel test was personally monitored by leader Kim Jong-Un, according to state-run KCNA news agency

Source: MENA