North Korea has launched a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), sparking concerns as tensions escalate. The missile, which flew for over an hour, fell short of Japanese waters on Wednesday morning. This comes after North Korea issued threats of retaliation against alleged US spy plane incursions. The United States has dismissed these accusations, stating that their military patrols adhere to international law.
Security concerns in the region have heightened this year, with North Korea conducting numerous weapons tests and missile launches, including ones capable of reaching US territory. In response, the US and South Korea have increased joint military drills on the Korean peninsula. The launch of the latest ICBM follows previous tests in April, where North Korea described their missile as the “most powerful” to date, and a failed attempt to launch a spy satellite in May.
The missile fired by North Korea on Wednesday traveled eastwards from Pyongyang, covering a distance of 1,000km (621 miles) before landing in the sea west of Japan. Both South Korean and US officials condemned the launch, emphasizing their strengthened joint defense efforts. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held an emergency meeting with his national security council in Lithuania, where he was attending the NATO summit. The international community views North Korea’s actions as a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Amid the escalating tensions, North Korea’s belligerent rhetoric continues. The country has been inflating external threats to rally domestic support and justify weapons tests. Experts suggest that North Korea often times its launches to disrupt diplomatic coordination against it. Analysts anticipate a display of the latest North Korean hardware in late July during the celebration of Victory Day, marking the anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
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