North Korea tested ballistic missiles once more on Monday morning (local time). The South Korean military spoke of two short-range missiles flying from the western region of South Pyongan towards the Sea of Japan (Korean: East Sea). The Japanese Coast Guard reported three bullets. According to state broadcaster NHK, they fell within minutes outside of Japan’s economic zone.
North Korea fired an ICBM only on Saturday following the government in Pyongyang threatened a drastic response to annual joint US-South Korean military exercises. This long-range missile can theoretically reach US territory. ICBM missiles are considered the most important carrier for nuclear weapons – and tests with ICBM and other ballistic missiles are banned by North Korea by United Nations decisions.
In response to the ICBM launch, the US held bilateral air exercises with South Korea and Japan on Sunday. “We are carefully evaluating the impact this would have on our state’s security,” Kim Yo Jong said in an official statement . “The frequency of using the Pacific as a firing range depends on the behavior of US forces.”
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased significantly once more in the past year. Communist-ruled North Korea, subject to international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, increased the scope and pace of its missile tests. South Korea and the USA resumed their maneuvers in full.
Accessed on 02/20/2023 at 03:15
