U.S. missile hits test target as North Korea tension rises

(Photo: Courtesy)

The United States said on Tuesday it shot down a simulated, incoming intermediate-range ballistic missile similar the ones being developed by countries like North Korea, in a new test of the nation's defenses.

Planned months ago, the U.S. missile defense test over the Pacific Ocean has gained significance after North Korea's July 4 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile heightened concerns about the threat from Pyongyang.