North Korea Tests Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
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Synopsis
North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea shortly before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. This action marks the regime's second provocation of the year, following a hypersonic missile test earlier in January. South Korea's military condemned the launches as a threat to regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple missile launches conducted by North Korea.
- Provocation occurred just before Trump's inauguration.
- Short-range missiles typically target South Korea.
- JCS maintains a strong readiness posture.
- Condemnation from South Korea's Acting President.
Seoul, Jan 14 (NationPress) North Korea has conducted a series of launches of multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Tuesday, as reported by South Korea's military. This act of provocation comes just days prior to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) indicated that the missiles were launched around 9:30 a.m. from the Ganggye area located in the Jagang Province of North Korea, and they traveled approximately 250 kilometers before landing in the sea. The exact number of missiles fired was not disclosed.
These recent launches signify the recalcitrant regime's second provocation of the year, following the launch of what it described as a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on January 6.
Given the distance these short-range ballistic missiles can travel, they are typically viewed as aimed at South Korea.
Previously, on November 5, North Korea also launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles just hours before the US presidential election.
During a year-end party meeting, North Korea asserted its intention to implement the 'most severe' counteraction strategy against the United States, alleging that military cooperation between South Korea, the US, and Japan has evolved into a 'military bloc for aggression.'
The JCS has condemned the recent launch as a 'blatant' provocation that endangers peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and expressed its commitment to maintaining a robust readiness posture to deter any potential 'wrong judgments' from North Korea.
“In anticipation of further launches, our military has enhanced monitoring and vigilance, while effectively sharing information regarding North Korean missile activities with the US and Japanese forces, ensuring full readiness,” stated the JCS.
The JCS is keeping a watchful eye on the possibility of further missile tests, having observed transporter erector launchers prepared for missile firing near the launch site, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned North Korea's latest missile test, characterizing it as a blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions and promised a resolute response grounded in the steadfast South Korea-US alliance.
