U.S. Air Force test-launches ICBM amid North Korea tensions

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force test launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile on the California coast early Wednesday, which follows a similar missile test by North Korea.

Vandenberg Air Force Base said the operational test occurred at 2:10 a.m. PDT.

"The seamless partnership of Team V and our Air Force Global Strike Command mission partners has resulted in another safe Minuteman III operational test launch," U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Hough, the commander of the 30th Space Wing who made the decision to launch, said in a statement. "This combined team of the 90th Missile Wing, 576th Flight Test Squadron and 30th Space Wing is simply outstanding. Their efforts over the past few months show why they are among the most skilled operators in the Air Force."

The Air Force released a video of the test launch.

The U.S. launch comes after North Korea launched an improved ballistic missile with intercontinental range late last week -- Pyongyang's second missile launch in less than a month.

Last month, North Korea threatened a nuclear strike against the United States.

"Should the U.S. dare to show even the slightest sign of attempt to remove our supreme leadership, we will strike a merciless blow at the heart of the U.S. with our powerful nuclear hammer, honed and hardened over time," North Korea's foreign ministry said. "The likes of [CIA Director Mike] Pompeo will bitterly experience the catastrophic and miserable consequences caused by having dared to shake their little fists at the supreme leadership."