North Korea Confirms ICBM Launch As Threat Towards US, Seoul
North Korea confirms ICBM launch that was conducted on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The missile was launched as a warning to the United States and South Korea, as tensions continue to rise in the region. The launch was confirmed by the North Korean state news agency, KCNA.
Author:Hajra ShannonReviewer:Paula M. GrahamFeb 19, 2023344 Shares49.2K Views
North Korea confirms ICBM launchthat was conducted on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The missile was launched as a warning to the United States and South Korea, as tensions continue to rise in the region. The launch was confirmed by the North Korean state news agency, KCNA.
North Korea's official KCNA news agency said that the practice provided "real evidence" of the country's "capability of deadly nuclear counterattack."
The test demonstrated "the true combat potential of the ICBM forces which are ready for mobile and overwhelming retaliation," the KCNA cited the North Korean government as saying. The Hwasong-15 missile was described as a "strong physical nuclear deterrent" in the report.
KCNA said that the launch was an effort to ensure the nuclear force in North Korea is both reliable and ready for battle.
Confirmation Of ICBM Launch
North Korea’s KCNA reported that the missile was launched from the Hodo Peninsula on North Korea's east coast and flew more than 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
The test was declared a success by the North Korean government and Kim Jong-un was reportedly present during the launch. This is the first ICBM test conducted by North Korea since September 2021.
“„(The exercise) strengthened the combined operation capability and affirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of the Korean Peninsula and the implementation of extended deterrence.- the South's military
North Korea Conducts ICBM Test | Warning For America & South Korea?
Reaction From The International Community
The ICBM test has raised concerns and tensions around the world. The United States has strongly condemned the launch and has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The US and South Korea have also announced that they will hold joint military exercises in response to the launch. Japan has also expressed its concern, calling the test a violation of United Nations resolutions.
Park Jin, foreign minister of South Korea, said Sunday's launch "obviously" indicates North Korean plans for additional provocation.
“„If North Korea conducts the seventh nuclear test, which could happen at any time, it will be a game changer in a sense that North Korea could develop and deploy tactical nuclear missiles- Park Jin, foreign minister of South Korea
North Korea's Warning
North Korea has warned that it will take "powerful steps" in response to any further actions by the United States and South Korea. The country has been increasing its military activities in recent months, including several missile launches, in response to what it sees as hostile actions by the US and its allies.
The ICBM test has raised fears that North Korea could be developing a nuclear missile capable of reaching the United States.
This latest development is a major challenge for the Biden administration, which has been trying to engage with North Korea in talks aimed at persuading the country to give up its nuclear weapons program.
The international community is closely watching the situation, and it remains to be seen how the United States and its allies will respond to the latest missile launch by North Korea.
Final Words
The North may test a new solid-fuel missile, which would allow for quicker missile deployment in the event of conflict, according to experts.
Despite U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes, Pyongyang insists on continuing its weapons development in order to confront what it calls the "hostile actions" of the United States and its allies.
Hajra Shannon
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
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