North Korea lauded on April 24 the “great success” of a submarine-launched ballistic missile test it deployed under the watch of its lead Kim Jong-un, touted as another step toward “powerful nuclear attack.”
This launch is the most recent in the country’s show of its military ability, beginning in January this year with its fourth nuclear test and involving a long-range rocket launch in May. More than demonstrating North Korean might, the tests can also help boost Kim’s position in the run-up to a May ruling party congress, according to analysts.
“The successful test-fire would help remarkably bolster the underwater operational capability of the KPA navy, [Kim] said, adding that it is now capable of hitting the heads of the South Korean puppet forces and the U.S. imperialists any time as it pleases,” Reuters quoted KCNA, the country’s official news agency.
With an undisclosed place and date, the launch was made from the North Korean east coast submarine on April 23, flying for around 18 miles, according to an official from the South Korean Defense Military.
KCNA added that behind the latest fired missile was a solid fuel engine, which could signify a notable advance in their technology.
Amid greater tension in the region, new U.N. sanctions, and a slighted ally in the form of China, North Korean will reportedly conduct another nuclear test.
The U.S. Strategic Command said that based on its assessment, a North Korean submarine missile was launched from the Sea of Japan, but dismissed it as a non-threat to North America. American military forces “remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations” and fully commit to working with Korean and Japanese allies for security, its statement said.
In line with the missile launch, the U.S. State Department announced it was limiting the travel of North Korean foreign minister Ri Su Yong and his team to U.N. functions in New York, where they will attend a sustainable development meeting. Launches of that kind were emphasized as a “clear violation” of multiple U.N. resolutions.
The U.N. Security Council “strongly condemned” the firing and called on North Korea to half all actions related to its ballistic missile project.
Said to be a preparation for an invasion of their nation and a show of anger over harsher global sanctions, North Korea also recently sent missiles and artillery shells into sea despite ongoing yearly military drills between the U.S. and South Korea.
The forthcoming ruling Workers’ Party congress, on the other hand, is the first since 1980. Military achievements will potentially be showcased to further establish Kim’s hold on power while overshadowing a lack of economic accomplishments.
North Korea’s repeated nuclear tests are feared to trigger the eruption of Mount Paektu, its highest peak and an active volcano, given its close proximity to the detonation site, according to South Korean experts.
Photo: La Real Noticia | Flickr
