N. Korea says 4th new test-firing was anti-aircraft missile

By HYUNG-JIN KIM
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says it test-fired a newly developed anti-aircraft missile, even as it pushes to reopen communication channels with South Korea in a small reconciliation step. The resumption of missile tests and offer for conditional talks with Seoul are seen by some as an attempt to extract sanctions relief and other outside concessions. North Korea says its test Thursday was aimed at confirming operations of the missile launcher, radar and other systems. North Korea’s neighbors did not publicly confirm the test soon after it occurred, indicating it may not have been a major weapons test. South Korea said it would prepare for the restoration of the communication channels but hasn’t gotten a response so far.