North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles, its first since Trump took office again, amidst condemnation of US-South Korea military exercises. The military action signifies North Korea’s unwavering stance on military testing and its alliance with Russia, raising concerns over regional security and nuclear capabilities.
North Korea launched a series of ballistic missiles from its west coast, confirming its continued missile testing after Donald Trump assumed office again. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that at least two missiles were fired from Hwanghae Province, although specifics regarding their number remain undisclosed. The Yonhap News agency characterized these as likely short-range ballistic missiles.
The missile launches occurred shortly after North Korea condemned the joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, which commenced on March 10, labeling them a prelude to war. In response, South Korea’s military has heightened its surveillance and assured readiness, maintaining close collaboration with the United States. Historically, North Korea does not comment on its missile tests until a day later.
The joint US-South Korea Freedom Shield 25 exercise, focusing on North Korea’s escalating military alliance with Russia, is set to continue until March 20. These drills are the first since Trump returned to the presidency and coincide with North Korea’s threats regarding the enhancement of its nuclear capabilities. Earlier this year, North Korea displayed an array of missile activities, including a strategic cruise missile launch monitored by Kim Jong Un on February 26.
During Trump’s last term, the suspension or scaling back of key US-South Korea military exercises was announced following his negotiations with Kim, which ultimately did not yield results. Nevertheless, Trump has shown an openness to reengage in dialogue during his current term. Following Trump’s inauguration, Kim expressed that confrontation with perceived adversaries was “inevitable” and advocated for the expansion of the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
The missile launch also coincides with ongoing political instability in South Korea, after President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly imposed martial law last December, leading to his impeachment. Recent missile tests included models from the Hwasong-11 series, capable of carrying significant payloads, including nuclear warheads. US and South Korean authorities have accused Kim of supplying numerous missiles to Russia to support Vladimir Putin’s military efforts in Ukraine.
As Kim aligns with Putin amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, worries are rising concerning North Korea’s military advancement and the sustenance of its regime through Russian assistance. South Korean intelligence reported that North Korea may have dispatched additional troops to Russia to bolster Putin’s army, following the deployment of thousands of soldiers there the previous year.
In summary, North Korea’s recent missile launches signify its commitment to military advancements despite international tensions and political uncertainty in South Korea. The concurrent US-South Korea military exercises have elicited aggressive responses from Pyongyang, while Kim Jong Un’s alliance with Russia raises concerns about North Korea’s nuclear capacity and military support for regional conflicts. The evolving situation merits close monitoring as diplomatic channels remain tentative.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
