North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its first test in nearly a year. The launch of a weapon that can potentially reach the US mainland, comes just days before the US election, a timing that has raised concerns in Washington and among North Korea’s neighbors.
Kim Jong Un, the leader, called the test a “military activity” to exhibit North Korea’s unwavering opposition to feigned threats, and he was present at the launch site.
Officials from various nations have made speculative suggestions that the weapon tested may be a brand-new, solid-fueled ICBM, a technological advance that would make it easier for North Korea to start weapons more quickly and discreetly.
The test was acknowledged by the North Korean state media, who called it a victory, and provided an explanation of its improved skills over past launches, but without providing specifics.
US add Japan, South Korea to smash missile launch
The United States, South Korea, and Japan, which identified the tool as an ICBM, condemned the start as disruptive and confrontational. According to Sean Savett, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, it “violates flagrantly” the commitments of the UN Security Council.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff director, Lee Sung Joon, noted that the weapon was launched on a large trajectory, likely to avoid overflying adjacent countries, and may have been timed carefully with the US election to develop North Korea’s leverage in coming negotiations.
The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching an elevation of more than 7, 000 kilometers ( 4,350 miles ), breaking new records for North Korean missile tests, according to Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani.
Attempt to divert interest?
The launch coincides with growing international concern about North Korea’s possible military presence in Russia during the Ukraine conflict.
The US lately warned that North Korean troops, reportedly in Russian outfits, are moving toward Ukraine, possible to promote Russian troops engaged in the ongoing conflict. The missile release has the potential to detract from growing international condemnation of North Korea’s reported troop deployments.
