North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile in First Test of the Year
North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on Sunday, marking its first missile test in the new year.
Riley Harper
- 2024-01-14
- Updated 02:45 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the missile launch but have yet to release information regarding its trajectory or range. The missile launch was also detected by Japan's Defense Ministry. Following the event, the Japan Coast Guard claimed it is probable that the projectile landed in the ocean. This test comes after a period of aggressions showcased through artillery drillings near the contentious western sea boundary with South Korea, an area with a history of naval conflicts and serious incidents. Prior to this, North Korea had not fired a missile since the deployment of the Hwasong-18, a solid-fueled ICBM, on December 18, which is capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
North Korea's Escalating Hostilities
Amidst escalating tensions, North Korea has ramped up its belligerent rhetoric against South Korea. The North's leader, Kim Jong Un, has recently referred to South Korea as its "principal enemy", even going as far as threatening outright annihilation if any provocations arise. According to assessments from experts, further provocations from Pyongyang may be anticipated, potentially in the form of more missile tests or limited strikes on South Korean assets.
These aggressive actions from North Korea appear to have both immediate and long-term geopolitical implications. Notably, the provocations are likely to cast a shadow over the South Korean parliamentary elections due in April, as well as impact the U.S. presidential election slated for November of this year. Experts opine that Kim Jong Un is lobbying for the election of South Korean liberals, favoring conditions that might alleviate sanctions imposed on the isolated state. The North Korean leader also appears to prefer the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, betting on perceived concessions and sanction relief from the United States under Trump's administration.
Analysts note that, towards the end of last year, Kim Jong Un announced plans to augment the nation's nuclear capabilities and initiate more spy satellite missions, citing what he terms as persistent U.S.-led hostilities. As the international community awaits responses from global leaders, North Korea's strategic moves are closely observed, given their potential to further destabilize regional security and affect international diplomatic dynamics.
