North Korea fires ballistic missile in anger at US drills as Kim Jong-un still missing
North Korea has launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea, resuming weapons tests just days before the US and South Korea kick off their annual joint military exercises
Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi raged over the tests
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile towards the sea on Thursday, South Korea’s military confirmed, restarting weapons testing just days before its adversaries the US and South Korea commence annual military exercises that North Korea regards as invasion practice.
The launch from North Korea’s eastern coastal Wonsan region was spotted around 5pm, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, noting that South Korea’s military has strengthened its surveillance stance and is working closely with the US and Japan.
Japan’s Defence Ministry also confirmed North Korea launched a potential ballistic missile but there was no impact in or around Japan, where the coast guard advised vessels along the coastline to exercise caution and alert authorities if any debris was discovered.
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile over the Sea of Japan
The ballistic missile launch marked North Korea’s first since late June, when it tested a tactical ballistic missile featuring a “special mission” warhead alongside other weaponry. Following observation of the testing operations, leader Kim Jong Un emphasised the necessity to strengthen the military’s “deadly and destructive offensive posture.”
Thursday’s launch also occurred ahead of large-scale, annual drills to be carried out by the US and South Korean forces later this month. US and South Korean officials maintain the training is defensive by nature, but North Korea claims the manoeuvres constitute invasion practice and frequently responds with its own missile tests and warlike language.
South Korean and US officials haven’t officially disclosed details regarding this year’s joint exercise, but the drills typically take place during the second half of August.
Kim has been concentrating on expanding his nuclear and missile stockpiles since his high-stakes diplomacy with US President Donald Trump fell apart in 2019. Analysts say Kim seeks international recognition as a nuclear state so he can push for the removal of international economic sanctions against North Korea.
North Korean tests were shown on Japanese news channels
UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launches involving its vast arsenal of ballistic missiles. Testing of other weaponry including cruise missiles and artillery systems isn’t forbidden, but experts say they still present a danger to South Korea and the US.
In early July, Kim oversaw trials of a nuclear-capable cruise missile on board a new 5,000-ton destroyer. Following years of prioritising ballistic missile development, Kim has increasingly shifted his attention to naval capabilities, including building a nuclear-powered submarine.
In recent years, Kim has enhanced his diplomatic standing by strengthening ties with Russia. North Korea has provided conventional weapons and troops to Russia to back its war against Ukraine.
It comes as mystery surrounds the disapperance of Kim Jong-un, who hasn’t been seen in public for months. The last available images of him are actually photos of the front page of a North Korean newspaper, showing him meeting with his counterparts in China in North Korea.
That was on June 9, with almost a total silence since then – and that includes some very strange things happening from the country’s media, such as images disappearing. And there hasn’t been any real new pictures of him at a mass public gathering since the end of March.
