North Korea launched a ballistic missile, USA: "We are aware of the launch"
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea for the first time in over a month. Seoul raised its alert level, Japan and the United States condemned the act, against the backdrop of joint exercises and North Korean threats in response to Japan arming itself with Tomahawk missiles.
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile today toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, in the first such military move in over forty days. The launch was carried out from the area of the coastal city of Wonsan, around 17:00 local time, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean military.
In Seoul, it was announced that surveillance systems detected the launch and that the military had raised its alert level due to fears of further launches. The South Korean military stated that it is sharing the collected information with the United States and Japan, and that the three countries continue to analyze flight data and missile characteristics.
The US military announced that it is aware of the launch and is holding consultations with US allies in the region. The American statement did not initially include further details on the type of missile, its trajectory, or its flight range, but emphasized the ongoing security coordination with Seoul and Tokyo.
The South Korean presidential office convened an emergency security meeting and condemned the launch as a provocative act that violates UN Security Council resolutions. The Japanese government stated that it detected an object that appeared to be a ballistic missile, and that no reports of damage were received. In Tokyo, they added that the missile did not enter Japanese territory.
The launch took place ahead of joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea, expected to take place later this month. Washington and Seoul argue that the exercises are intended to strengthen defense and deterrence capabilities against the North Korean threat. Pyongyang, on the other hand, regularly presents them as preparation for an invasion and as justification for the continued development of its weaponry.
Professor Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University estimated that the test might also be related to the criticism recently voiced by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, against a Japanese test of US-made Tomahawk missiles. Kim warned that Pyongyang would consider further military steps in response to Japan's rearmament.
North Korea has conducted a series of tests this year involving short-range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and tactical weaponry. Its last confirmed military test, at the end of June, included an upgraded system of 240mm rocket launchers, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
The launch also comes against the backdrop of deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korea has transferred ballistic missiles and soldiers to Russia for the war in Ukraine, and in recent days it was reported that a North Korean missile unit began deploying in western Russia for potential strikes against Ukraine. According to estimates, the move is intended to expand Russian firepower in the coming winter months.
