US nuclear-capable weapon lands near Marshalls atoll in test shot

WASHINGTON — The United States has successfully tested a long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missile after twice postponing the launch to avoid stoking tensions over Ukraine and Taiwan.

The Air Force Global Strike Command launched the unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific from California just after midnight local time.

The re-entry vehicle travelled about 6,760km to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The missile carried a test re-entry vehicle, which, in a strategic conflict, could be armed with a nuclear warhead.

The Air Force said the test launch was part of routine and periodic activities and was not because of current world events.