North Korea Claims Success in Testing New Rocket Engine

North Korea regularly makes claims about the progress of its nuclear and missile programmes, but analysts say most of them are impossible to independently verify.

North Korea has carried out a “successful” ground test of a new rocket engine to launch satellites, state media says.

Kim Jong-un, the country’s leader, asked scientists and engineers to make preparations for a satellite launch as soon as possible, KCNA reported.

It is the latest in a series of missile-related tests this year.

Meanwhile, the US and China have agreed to step up co-operation at the UN to address the North’s fifth nuclear test.

The underground nuclear test, conducted earlier this month, is thought to be the country’s most powerful yet.