North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan

Pyongyang/Tokyo: North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Thursday. According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, both missiles flew a distance of more than 400 kilometers. The test has prompted a strong reaction from Japan. “North Korea’s test threatens peace and security of Japan and its neighbourhood,” warned Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The U.S. Pacific Command has also said the missiles demonstrated the growing threat from North Korea.

A few days ago, North Korea was found to have conducted a new test of its short-range missile system. Reacting to the test, US President Joe Biden said there was nothing provocative about it. However, the Japanese and South Korean media feared that the tests could be the beginning of a series of new and aggressive tests. The ballistic missile tests on Thursday has shown that the fears had come true.

Last year, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un tested ‘tactical guided weapons’ along with ballistic missiles in March. Then in October, North Korea unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to the world during its military parade. Reports revealed that North Korea has begun developing new nuclear weapons in the past few months. However, no new missiles were tested until March 2021.

The Biden administration has held talks with Japan and South Korea over the past month while simultaneously conducting military exercises with South Korea. At the same time, cooperation between North Korea and China has strengthened. In the wake of the events, North Korea has carried out missile tests repeatedly over five days. On Sunday, North Korea test-fired short-range cruise missiles. Thursday’s ballistic missile test, however, violated UN resolutions.

The North Korean regime has not released any information about Thursday’s tests. Nevertheless, media reports have highlighted that Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un’s sister, had threatened the United States just last week.

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