Seoul’s military said; North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on Sunday. Only days after Pyongyang declared a successful test of a solid-fuel motor for a new weapons system.
As a result of Pyongyang’s unprecedented barrage of weapons tests, which included the launch of its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile yet last month, military tensions on the Korean peninsula have grown significantly this year.
The Tongchang-ri area in North Pyongan province was the launch site for two ballistic missiles, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.
It said the missiles were launched into the East Sea, often known as the Sea of Japan, between 11:13am (0213 GMT) and 12:05pm.
The JCS noted in a statement that “our military has increased monitoring. And vigilance while closely collaborating with the United States and maintaining a full readiness posture.”
Following a test of a “high-thrust solid-fuel engine” that was deemed crucial “for the construction of another new type of strategic weapon system,” North Korea launched its rocket on Sunday.
Pyongyang has accumulated an arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles despite severe international sanctions related to its nuclear programmes (ICBMs).
However, all of its ICBMs that are now in existence are liquid-fueled, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made building solid-fuel engines for more sophisticated missiles a strategic priority.
This year, Kim stated his desire for North Korea to possess the most potent nuclear arsenal possible and dubbed his nation a “irreversible” nuclear state.
He listed solid-fuel ICBMs that could be launched from land or submarines on his wish list from the previous year.
The most recent motor test was a step in that direction, but observers said it is unclear how far North Korea has advanced in the creation of such a missile.
Major party gathering
Kim stated he wanted North Korea to have the most potent nuclear arsenal. After that he oversaw the Hwasong-17 “monster” missile’s launch last month.
Later this month, at a crucial party conference, the isolated nation’s strategic orientation will be announced. Earlier this month, the official Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim as predicting that 2023 will be “historic year.”
Kim used to give a statement on the first of the year, but lately stopped doing so in favour of making announcements at the year-end plenary conference.
Kim concentrated on domestic issues in his most recent address, which was made public on New Year’s Day last year.
According to experts, even though Kim avoided directly criticising the United States last year, he might do so this time.
North Korea may perform its seventh nuclear test at which point the United States and South Korea have been warning for months.
As a result of its nuclear and missile activities, North Korea has been subject to many UN Security Council sanctions since 2006.
