North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles
On Thursday, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, according to its neighboring countries. The missile launch comes just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to prepare his nuclear forces for battle against his rivals.
Missiles Land Between Korean Peninsula and Japan
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the missiles were launched from North Korea’s capital and traveled 360 kilometers (about 220 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to secure the safety of ships and aircraft, though no immediate damage was reported.
Aimed at South Korea, Say Experts
The range of these missiles suggests that they were designed to strike targets in South Korea. Following the launch, diplomats from South Korea, Japan, and the United States held a trilateral phone conversation, condemning the actions as threats to both regional and international peace. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reaffirmed its “ironclad” security commitments to both South Korea and Japan.
First Test in Months Follows Kim’s Nuclear Pledge
This was North Korea’s first public weapons test in over two months. In early July, the country claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon capable of carrying a massive 4.5-ton warhead. Kim Jong Un’s latest missile launches follow his speech on Monday, during which he pledged to redouble efforts to make North Korea’s nuclear force fully combat-ready.
Growing Concerns of Future Nuclear Testing
While Kim has made similar declarations before, this latest threat comes as experts believe North Korea may conduct a nuclear test or a long-range missile launch ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. This move could be aimed at increasing the regime’s leverage in future negotiations with the U.S.
Speculation Over North Korea’s ICBM Capabilities
Over the weekend, North Korean state media published images of Kim inspecting a large 12-axle missile launcher, sparking speculation that North Korea may be developing a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to target the U.S. mainland.
No Major Activity at Nuclear Test Site
Commercial satellite images indicate minor damage to North Korea’s northeastern nuclear test site from recent heavy rains. However, no significant new work was detected at the site, according to a recent report by the North Korea-focused website, 38 North.
Other Escalations and Provocations
In addition to the missile launches, North Korea recently engaged in other provocations, including flying hundreds of large balloons filled with trash toward South Korea for five consecutive days.
Increased Missile Testing Since 2022
Since 2022, North Korea has ramped up its weapons testing, working to improve its strike capabilities against South Korea and the U.S. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have expanded their joint military drills, which North Korea views as rehearsals for invasion.
Kim’s Nuclear Expansion and Regional Tensions
Last month, Kim presided over a major ceremony, showcasing 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units. He called for the continued expansion of North Korea’s nuclear program, raising fears that battlefield nuclear weapons could be deployed along the tense border with South Korea.