North Korea launched eight short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The missiles were launched from four different locations in North Korea, and flew between 110 to 670 kilometers (68 to 416 miles).
This is the latest in a series of missile tests by North Korea in recent months. In 2022, North Korea has conducted 17 missile tests, more than in any other year since 2017.
The launch of the SRBMs comes just days after US President Joe Biden visited South Korea and Japan. Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
The United States and South Korea condemned the missile launch and called on North Korea to cease its destabilizing actions. The United States also said it would continue to work with its allies to strengthen its military readiness to deter any North Korean aggression.
North Korea has not commented on the missile launch. However, it is believed that the country is developing its missile capabilities in an effort to pressure the United States and its allies into making concessions on its nuclear and missile programs.
The launch of the SRBMs is a significant escalation by North Korea and a threat to regional security. The missiles have a range that could reach targets in South Korea and Japan, and they could be used to deliver nuclear warheads.
The international community must continue to work together to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. The launch of the SRBMs is a reminder that North Korea remains a serious threat to regional security.
Analysis
There are several possible reasons why North Korea may have launched the SRBMs. One possibility is that they are trying to test their new missile technology. North Korea has been developing new SRBMs in recent years, and the launch of these missiles could be an attempt to test their range and accuracy.
Another possibility is that North Korea is trying to send a message to the United States and its allies. The launch of the SRBMs could be seen as a warning that North Korea is prepared to take further action if its demands are not met.
Finally, it is also possible that North Korea is simply trying to raise tensions in the region. The launch of the SRBMs could be seen as an attempt to increase its leverage in future negotiations with the United States.
Impact
The launch of the SRBMs is a significant escalation by North Korea and a threat to regional security. The missiles have a range that could reach targets in South Korea and Japan, and they could be used to deliver nuclear warheads.
The launch of the SRBMs is a reminder that North Korea remains a serious threat to regional security. The international community must continue to work together to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.
Reactions
The United States and South Korea condemned the missile launch and called on North Korea to cease its destabilizing actions. The United States also said it would continue to work with its allies to strengthen its military readiness to deter any North Korean aggression.
Japan also condemned the missile launch and said it would work with the United States and South Korea to respond appropriately.
China, North Korea’s only major ally, called for calm and said it would work with the international community to resolve the issue peacefully.
Experts on the issue say that the launch of the SRBMs is a sign that North Korea is continuing to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities. They say that the international community must continue to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs, and that they must also be prepared to take military action if necessary.