North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles, indicating no cessation of missile tests post-Trump’s inauguration. The launches, involving likely short-range missiles, coincided with North Korea’s discontent over US-South Korea military exercises. Amidst political instability in Seoul, Kim Jung Un advances plans to enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities while strengthening ties with Russia.
North Korea has conducted multiple ballistic missile launches from its western coast, signaling a continued commitment to missile tests following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, as reported by Bloomberg. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch of at least two missiles from Hwanghae Province, though further specifics remain uncertain. It is believed that these are likely short-range ballistic missiles, according to Yonhap News.
This missile activity follows North Korea’s expression of discontent regarding the commencement of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea on March 10, which North Korea has labeled as a war rehearsal. In response to the situation, South Korea’s military has heightened vigilance and maintains readiness in cooperation with the United States, especially as they anticipate further comments from Pyongyang, which typically follows missile tests the next day.
The US-South Korea Freedom Shield 25 exercise is set to run until March 20, amidst growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. These are the first military drills since Trump’s inauguration and occur during a period when North Korea has been vocally threatening to enhance its nuclear arsenal. Earlier missile tests this year have included a strategic cruise missile on February 26 and an intermediate-range ballistic missile on January 6, marked as a hypersonic missile test aimed at countering rival powers in the Pacific.
During his previous presidency, Trump had suspended several major US-South Korean military exercises after beginning direct discussions with Kim Jong Un, which did not yield a successful outcome. Despite this, Trump signaled a willingness to resume negotiations during his current term. In the wake of Trump’s inauguration, Kim stated that confrontation with hostile nations was “inevitable” and called for increased nuclear capability.
The missile launch coincides with ongoing political instability in Seoul, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s temporary martial law declaration in December and subsequent impeachment. The missiles recently tested belong to the Hwasong-11 family, capable of carrying heavy payloads, including nuclear warheads. Both the US and South Korea have accused Kim of supplying numerous missiles to Russia as assistance for Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
Kim’s regime has increasingly aligned with Putin amid concerns regarding North Korea’s capacity to reinforce its military strength and sustain its political stability through Russian backing. Additionally, South Korea’s intelligence indicates that North Korea may have dispatched more troops to assist Russian forces after previously sending thousands there last year.
The recent ballistic missile launches by North Korea highlight its ongoing commitment to military escalation, further complicated by the geopolitical dynamics of cooperation with Russia. As the United States and South Korea engage in military exercises, the tensions between North Korea and its adversaries continue to mount, particularly as Kim Jong Un seeks to bolster the country’s nuclear capabilities. This precarious situation warrants close monitoring from the international community.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
