North Korea on Thursday conducted what was believed to be another failed test of a powerful medium-range missile capable of hitting US bases as far away as Guam, the South Korean military said.
It was the second failed launch in less than a week of the nuclear-armed North's powerful Musudan missile, which some experts warn could become operational as early as next year.
The last test on Saturday was denounced by the UN Security Council which is currently debating a fresh sanctions resolution against Pyongyang over its fifth nuclear test carried out last month.
Analysis by South Korean and US military monitors suggested Thursday's missile had exploded shortly after take-off at around 6:30am Pyongyang time (2200 GMT Wednesday), the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
"Our military strongly condemns North Korea's continued illegal provocative actions and are fully prepared for the possibilities of further provocation," the statement said.
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