North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday, Japanese and South Korean officials said. The launch comes after Pyongyang threatened retaliation against recent US spy plane incursions over its territory.
The missile flew for more than an hour before landing in the sea west of Japan. It is the first ICBM launch by North Korea since February and the longest-range missile it has tested since 2017.
The launch was condemned by South Korea and the United States, who called it a “grave provocative act” that violates UN Security Council resolutions. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol convened an emergency meeting of his national security council in response to the launch.
North Korea has repeatedly threatened to increase its nuclear and missile capabilities in response to what it sees as US hostility. The latest launch is likely to further raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The launch comes just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, warned the US to stop its air patrols and proposal for a nuclear submarine to visit Korean waters. She said if such flights continued, there would be “shocking” consequences.
Experts say the launch is likely timed to disrupt diplomatic coordination against North Korea. The US, South Korea, and Japan are due to meet on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Madrid this week.
Weapon Tests in Recent Months
North Korea has been ramping up its weapons tests in recent months. In 2022, it conducted a record number of missile launches, including some that could potentially reach the US mainland.
The latest launch is a reminder of the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile program. It is also a sign that Pyongyang is not interested in denuclearization talks.
Analysts expect North Korea to continue its weapons tests
Analysts expect North Korea to continue its weapons tests in the coming months. The country is likely to test more ICBMs and other advanced weapons in an effort to pressure the US and its allies to make concessions.
The latest launch is a serious escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. It is a reminder that North Korea remains a threat to regional and global security.
 on Wednesday, Japanese and South Korean officials said.){kind=link}