North Korea Fires Two Missiles After US Submarine Arrives in South
Seoul, South Korea – North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea on Wednesday, hours after the USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed through waters near the Korean peninsula. The launches come as tensions between North Korea and the United States remain high.
The missiles were fired from an area near the capital, Pyongyang, and flew about 550 kilometers (341 miles) before landing in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The South Korean military said the missiles were likely short-range ballistic missiles, but it was still assessing their exact type and range.
The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea in recent months. The country has also conducted tests of cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles.
The United States condemned the launches and called on North Korea to “cease its destabilizing and provocative actions.” The State Department said the launches were a “clear violation” of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The tensions between North Korea and the United States have been high since the collapse of nuclear talks in 2019. North Korea has since ramped up its weapons testing program, and the United States has imposed new sanctions on the country.
What does this mean for the region?
The missile launches are a clear escalation of tensions in the region. They come at a time when the United States and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises, and they could further raise the risk of conflict.
The launches also send a message to the new US administration that North Korea is not going to back down from its weapons program. The Biden administration has said that it is open to diplomacy with North Korea, but it has also made clear that it will not tolerate any threats to its allies or to the United States.
What happens next?
It is unclear what the next steps will be in the standoff between North Korea and the United States. However, the missile launches on Wednesday are a reminder that the tensions remain high and that the threat of conflict is still present.
The United States and South Korea are likely to continue to conduct joint military exercises, and they may also impose additional sanctions on North Korea. North Korea could respond with further missile tests, or it could even try to provoke a military conflict.
The situation in the Korean peninsula is volatile, and it is important to stay informed about the latest developments.