DPRK fired two missiles and caused confusion among experts
SEOUL, (BM) – On March 24, North Korea fired two cruise missiles. This news was confirmed today by the South Korean military. The Committee of Chiefs of Staff (KNS) of the Republic of Korea has closely monitored its northern neighbor’s tests in real-time.
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However, these tests of Kim Jong Un confused Western experts, mainly due to Pyongyang’s passivity. Until now, North Korea has liked to brag about the progress in developing such weapons, as well as their tests. This launch is not the case this time – complete silence and passivity on North Korea.
The US military knew about the tests on March 24, according to the Washington Post. According to the Pentagon, the missiles had a short-range and therefore did not fall under the UN Security Council’s sanctions, which restricts the use of ballistic missiles.
A spokesman for the US administration clarified that we are talking about “normal activities from the north,” “at a low level,” writes the Russian edition of RIA Novosti.
What do we know about Pyongyang’s missile tests?
North Korea conducts missile tests with different ranges each year. Last year, the North Koreans performed very few tests, which is unusual. It is a test of only two missiles, which remain unidentified by the Allies as a type and model. They are known to have a range of 240 kilometers and fly at an altitude of 35 kilometers.
This was not the case with the missile tests in 2019, which were quite intense throughout the year. Pyongyang conducted ten missile tests in May, July, August, September, October, and November.
North Korean missile tests almost always involve the launch of two missiles. The last test for 2019 on November 28 was significant, as the rocket exhaust was visible only from Russia.
One month earlier, on October 2, Pyongyang fired a Pukguksong-3 ballistic missile from a submarine. It is believed to be a medium-range ballistic missile. During the test, the missile flew a distance of 450 km and reached 910 km.
North Korea conducted the most missile tests in its history in 2017 when it conducted 16 missile tests in 12 months.
Kim believes North Korean nuclear missiles protect his country
The presence of nuclear weapons is a guarantee of North Korea’s security. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated this during a speech at a congress of veterans in honor of the 67th anniversary of the Korean War of 1950-1953.
According to the national leader, the country needs “absolute strength” to prevent a repeat of the middle of the last century. The DPRK has therefore embarked on the path of developing nuclear energy.
“Thanks to our credible nuclear deterrence, there will be no more war on this earth, and we will guarantee the security and future of our country forever,” Kim Jong-un said.
He also noted that nuclear weapons would protect North Korea not only from military threats and hostile forces but also from “any form of political pressure.”
North Korea began the process of developing nuclear weapons in the early 1950s. In 2005, the country recognized nuclear weapons’ presence, and the government conducted its first nuclear test in the fall of 2006.
STAY TUNED: Pyongyang steals cryptocurrencies to finance nuclear program. Read more about it.
How does the United States intend to act against North Korea?
The US administration added that the United States would continue its diplomatic efforts with the DPRK. An administration official said Washington prefers to communicate directly with Pyongyang but is coordinated with its allies in the region – South Korea and Japan – and is ready to coordinate with China.
The United States will soon hold a DPRK meeting with South Korea and Japan at national security advisers. “We are in the final stages of reviewing our policy towards North Korea,” the administration said.
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