“Intercontinental ballistic missile” fired by North Korea amid US warning

According to reports from Japanese and South Korean officials, North Korea has allegedly launched a suspected “intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).” The missile, which was fired on Wednesday morning, flew for over an hour before falling short of Japanese waters. This launch by Pyongyang comes after the country had previously threatened retaliation in response to what it claimed were US spy plane incursions over its territory. Earlier in the week, North Korea had also issued threats to shoot down such planes. However, the United States dismissed these allegations, asserting that its military patrols adhere to international law.

Security concerns have heightened on the Korean peninsula this year following North Korea’s testing of new weapons. In 2022, the country conducted a record number of missile launches, some of which were capable of reaching US territory. In response, the US and South Korea have increased their joint military exercises in the region. Despite these efforts, North Korea has persisted with its missile launches, including the testing of a new ICBM in April, touted as its most powerful missile to date. In May, an attempted satellite launch by North Korea ended in failure.

North Korea’s previous launch occurred in mid-June, when it fired two short-range ballistic missiles in response to US and South Korean military exercises. The country’s last ICBM test took place in February. The long-range capability of ICBMs is particularly concerning, as they have the potential to reach the mainland United States. In November 2022, when Pyongyang tested an ICBM, the Japanese government noted that it could have reached the US mainland if launched on a lower trajectory.

This recent launch comes shortly after heated rhetoric from North Korea, including warnings for the US to cease its air patrols and a proposal for a nuclear submarine to visit Korean waters. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused a US surveillance plane of violating North Korean airspace, cautioning that there would be “shocking” consequences if such flights persisted.

Despite facing UN sanctions, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly vowed to enhance his country’s nuclear warhead production and develop more potent weapons.

Analysts anticipate that North Korea may showcase its latest military hardware during late July celebrations marking the anniversary of the Korean War armistice, referred to in the country as “Victory Day.”