North Korea fires ballistic missile toward sea

North Korea on Thursday launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at the order of leader Kim Jong Un, state media KCNA said, adding that its flight records exceeded previous tests. 

The agency reported that Kim was present at the site.The launch came a day after South Korea's military intelligence agency told lawmakers that North Korea has likely completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test. The intelligence said the North was close to testing a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States.