In a defiant move, North Korea launched a new solid-fuel long-range Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on Wednesday, marking another significant step towards enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities. Pyongyang’s continued missile tests have raised alarm bells in the international community, particularly in neighboring South Korea, Japan, and the United States, who are closely monitoring the situation. This latest development has sparked concerns about the reclusive nation’s intentions, as the missile’s solid-fuel technology and range indicate that it could potentially reach US shores. The launch has further escalated tensions in the region and sparked a global reaction, with world leaders condemning North Korea’s actions.
North Korea has claimed that it successfully launched a new “solid-fuel” missile on September 15th, with reports suggesting that the weapon is a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The weapon was reportedly launched from a mobile transporter erector launcher (TEL), and suggests that the country may be close to developing a reliable nuclear missile system that could reach the US.
The test has been criticised by the international community, with Japan and the US issuing statements condemning the missile launch. The US also urged Pyongyang to cease “profoundly destabilising behaviour” and called for the international community to implement sanctions against North Korea.
South Korea and Japan have both requested emergency meetings of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the missile launch.
The missile, which North Korea claims carries a nuclear warhead, was launched on a trajectory that passed over Japan, triggering warnings and emergency alerts across the country. The missile landed in the Pacific Ocean after flying approximately 2,700 km.
Pyongyang has been under increasing international pressure in recent years over its missile and nuclear programmes, with a series of UN sanctions being imposed in an attempt to restrict the country’s ability to develop such weapons. However, these sanctions appear to have had little effect on the country’s missile programme, which has continued to advance.
The US has called for additional sanctions to be implemented against North Korea, and for China to do more to help prevent the country’s military development. The US has suggested that economic sanctions, such as restrictions on trade, may be introduced against China if it does not do more to prevent North Korea from developing its missile programme.
However, China has defended its position and has called for dialogue and diplomacy to be used to resolve the tensions on the Korean peninsula. Beijing has urged Washington to resume talks with North Korea and has warned against “provocative actions” that could escalate the situation further.
The situation on the Korean peninsula has been extremely tense in recent months, with North Korea conducting a series of missile and nuclear tests, and the US and South Korea conducting joint military exercises. The US has also sent additional military assets to the region, including warships and bombers, in response to the ongoing threat from Pyongyang.
The missile launch comes just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a military facility and appeared to be inspecting new missile technology. The visit was seen by many analysts as a signal that Pyongyang was preparing for another missile test.
The launch has been criticised by the international community, with calls for greater diplomatic efforts to be made to prevent further escalation of the situation on the Korean peninsula. The UNSC is expected to hold emergency meetings to discuss the latest missile launch, and to consider further measures to prevent North Korea from developing its missile and nuclear programmes.
