North Korea test-fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile that is believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to strike the continental United States. The missile was launched at a sharply raised angle from a site near Pyongyang and fell into the sea off North Korea’s east coast, with a launch time of 86 minutes being the longest ever for a North Korean missile test. Both Japan and South Korea condemned the launch as a threat to their safety and the international community, while the White House characterized it as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The launch came amid concerns raised by South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency that North Korea could launch an ICBM around the U.S. presidential election or conduct its seventh nuclear test. Experts point out that while North Korea has made strides in missile technology, it has not yet mastered the miniaturization needed to place warheads on its missiles.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers for training in Russia’s Far East has raised concerns, with fears that Russia may be providing key technology to advance North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his South Korean counterpart condemned the deployment, warning of potential consequences for the soldiers if they were to enter the conflict in Ukraine.
The latest missile launch highlights the ongoing tension in the region and the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to address North Korea’s provocative actions.
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