North Korea: North Korea has fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to reports from Japanese and South Korean officials. The long-range missile was airborne for over an hour before falling short of Japanese waters on the 12th of July 2023 morning. This launch follows Pyongyang’s threats of retaliation against what it claims were recent US spy plane incursions into its territory.
Earlier this week, North Korea had warned of shooting down such planes, a claim dismissed by Washington, which maintains that its military patrols adhere to international law. The heightened security tensions on the Korean Peninsula this year have been fueled by North Korea’s increased missile activity. In response, the United States and South Korea have escalated joint military drills in the region, while North Korea has pledged to advance its weapons development.
Throughout the year, North Korea has conducted numerous launches, including a failed spy satellite test. Notably, in April 2023, the country claimed to have tested its “most powerful” missile yet—an easier-to-launch solid-fuel ICBM, as opposed to the traditional liquid-fueled variant.
Japanese and South Korean military officials promptly reported the missile launch by Pyongyang. The projectile was identified as a long-range missile while it was still in flight. It originated from Pyongyang and flew eastwards for over an hour before landing in the sea at approximately 11:15 AM Japan time, as confirmed by the Japanese Coast Guard.
North Korea’s previous ballistic missile tests occurred in mid-June as a response to joint military exercises carried out by the United States and South Korea. However, an ICBM was also test-fired by North Korea in February.
The international community is particularly concerned about ICBMs due to their long-range capabilities, potentially reaching the mainland United States. When North Korea tested an ICBM in November 2022, it was launched on a high-angle, short-range trajectory. However, experts warned that a lower trajectory could have posed a threat to the US mainland, as stated by the Japanese government at the time. The ongoing missile launches by North Korea continue to heighten tensions and raise security concerns in the region.
RELATED | North Korea condemns US plan to deploy nuclear submarine near Korean peninsula
