On Sunday, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean, according to neighboring countries. NK also launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on March 16 which prompted an emergency UN meeting. While displays of nuclear aggression are alarming, they’re not uncommon coming from North Korea.
Japanese Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino reported the latest missile landing outside of Japan’s economic zone. No vessels (boats or aircraft) were impacted by the fallen missile. The Vice Defense Minister also implied that the missile had an irregular trajectory, which suggests it was one of North Korea’s KN-23 missiles. Sunday's missile traveled about 500 miles and would be capable of targeting South Korea.
Recently, North Korea tested its longest-range Hwasong-17 ICBM which was designed to reach the United States mainland. Kim Jong Un said that launching it was intended to “strike fear into the enemies.”
The latest missile event from NK was bigger than the last one, and the ones before that. The activity seems to be a response to the United States’ growing relationship with South Korea. Some experts believe the nuclear displays are being done to gain a global spotlight since North Korea hopes to be recognized as a nuclear state, have international sanctions lifted, and eventually expand its stockpile of weapons.
According to the US Indo-Pacific Command, the recent missile launches do not pose a threat to the United States or its allies, despite them occurring at the same time as the South Korean and United States militaries are conducting joint drills (field exercises and computer simulations.) While the activity is not seen as threatening, the United States remains vigilant.
The recent activity and low prioritization sparked protests in Washington D.C. over the weekend.
Link:
https://original.newsbreak.com/@bridget-mulroy-1592364/2541808460016-north-korea-missile-launches
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-us-military-drills-9693a6124abe62de64229b101cd312f1
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