Pakistan says it's test-fired short-range missile

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's military says it has successfully test-fired a short-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.

A military statement says the Hatf III Ghaznavi missile with a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles) was launched on Tuesday from an undisclosed location.

It says the test was conducted during a field training exercise and that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Rashad Mahmood and other officers were present.

Afterward, Mahmood congratulated scientists and engineers involved for the successful launch.

Pakistan, which became a nuclear power in 1998, routinely test-fires what it claims are indigenously developed missiles.

The international community closely watches its weapons program as Pakistan has fought three wars with its nuclear-armed archenemy and neighbor India after gaining independence since 1947.