North Korea Fires Suspected Ballistic Missile
North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea on Saturday, according to South Korea and Japan. The launch comes just days after the United Nations Security Council imposed new sanctions on the country for its recent missile tests.
The South Korean military said the missile was fired from the Sunan area of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, and flew about 300 kilometers (190 miles) before landing in the sea. The Japanese government said the missile traveled about 400 kilometers (250 miles) and reached an altitude of about 60 kilometers (37 miles).
The launch was condemned by the United States, South Korea, and Japan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the launch was “a clear violation” of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and “a threat to regional and international peace and security.”
The United Nations Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea on May 26 in response to its recent missile tests. The sanctions target North Korea’s exports of coal, iron, and seafood, and ban the country from importing luxury goods.
North Korea has been conducting missile tests at an unprecedented pace in recent months. In 2022, the country has conducted at least 18 missile tests, including its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch since 2017.
The missile tests have raised concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017, but it is believed to be continuing to develop its nuclear arsenal.
The United States and its allies have warned North Korea that it will face further sanctions if it continues to test missiles. However, North Korea has shown no signs of slowing down its missile program.
The latest missile launch is a reminder of the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. The United States and its allies must remain vigilant in their efforts to deter North Korea from using its weapons.
