North Korea fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its first such test in nearly a year. The launch, occurring days before the US election, has been widely condemned as a provocative act that further raises tensions in the region, The Associated Press reports.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who oversaw the test, justified the launch as an “appropriate military action” to demonstrate North Korea’s commitment to defending itself against perceived threats. The test follows reports that North Korean troops are heading to Ukraine to join the Russian war effort.
The missile, identified as a new, solid-fueled ICBM, was launched on a high angle, likely to avoid overflying neighboring countries. However, its flight duration of 86 minutes and maximum altitude exceeding 7,000 kilometers surpass previous North Korean missile tests, hinting at significant advancements in its capabilities.
The US, South Korea, and Japan condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a destabilizing factor. The US has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its homeland and allies.
South Korea and Japan are closely coordinating with the US and plan to conduct joint military exercises in response to the North’s actions. They are concerned by the timing of the test, speculating that it might be intended to influence the upcoming US election and strengthen North Korea’s bargaining position.
Despite the significant progress in North Korea’s missile technology, experts believe the country has yet to develop a functioning nuclear-armed ICBM capable of reaching the US mainland. However, they acknowledge the possibility of North Korea possessing short-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear strikes across South Korea.
This latest test signals that North Korea is pushing forward with its nuclear program, posing a significant challenge to regional security. The international community remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any further escalations from North Korea.
Adding to concerns, South Korea’s military intelligence agency reported that North Korea is close to conducting its seventh nuclear test. The agency also revealed that North Korea is likely preparing to test-fire a long-range missile capable of reaching the US, possibly targeting the verification of its reentry capabilities. This hurdle remains a key challenge for North Korea, as it requires a missile to survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry to deliver a nuclear warhead effectively.
