📷 Image Credits: livemint.com
North Korea has once again made headlines with its recent missile tests, firing suspected ballistic missiles just days after a rocket explosion. South Korea’s military detected about a dozen projectiles launched toward the east from an area near Pyongyang\’s main international airport. Japan’s Coast Guard reported a ballistic missile falling outside their exclusive economic zone. These actions come amidst rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim Jong Un’s regime conducting its sixth test of ballistic missiles this year. The missile launches follow a failed rocket mission intended to deploy a spy satellite. The US, South Korea, and Japan have criticized North Korea’s space program for its potential contribution to their ballistic missile capabilities, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Despite international condemnation, Kim Jong Un remains committed to advancing his space program, aiming to deploy three spy satellites in 2024.
Recent provocations by North Korea include the launch of short-range ballistic missiles that traveled over 350 kilometers before landing in the sea. These actions have been denounced by South Korea and the US, who call for Pyongyang to refrain from further destabilizing acts. The missile tests also come shortly after the failed satellite launch, highlighting North Korea’s determination to enhance its military capabilities. The Security Council is expected to hold a meeting to address the missile launches, as they violate UN sanctions. International leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have condemned North Korea’s actions and called for a return to dialogue to address the escalating tensions in the region.
