North Korea Fires Missiles, US and Allies Respond
Seoul [South Korea], September 18: North Korea has launched short-range ballistic missiles, according to reports from South Korea and Japan. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the launches at around 6:50 am from the Kaechon area, north of Pyongyang. The missiles traveled approximately 400 kilometers before falling into the sea, outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The JCS condemned the missile launches, calling them acts of provocation that threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The US Indo-Pacific Command also condemned the actions and called on North Korea to refrain from further destabilizing acts. They assured that the event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or allies but will continue to monitor the situation closely.
This missile launch follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent inspection of a uranium enrichment facility and the test-firing of a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher on September 12. In August, Kim Jong Un called for the development of more ‘suicide drones’ and unveiled 250 new tactical nuclear-capable ballistic missile launchers.
In March, US President Joe Biden approved a classified document for US forces to prepare for possible nuclear confrontations with Russia, China, and North Korea. In July, the foreign ministers of Quad—a partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—criticized North Korea for its use of ballistic missile technology and urged compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The latest missile launch is suspected to involve missiles similar to North Korea’s Hwasong-11 family, previously launched in July. On July 1, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, one landing in the East Sea and another disappearing off the radar after flying 120 km. The next day, North Korea’s state media reported the test-firing of the new Hwasong-11Da4.5 missile, capable of carrying a 4.5-ton warhead.
Doubts Revealed
North Korea -: North Korea is a country in East Asia, located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its strict government and military activities.
Missiles -: Missiles are weapons that are launched into the air and can travel long distances to hit a target. They can be very dangerous.
US -: US stands for the United States of America, a large country in North America. It is one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Allies -: Allies are countries that support each other, especially during conflicts or wars. They work together to achieve common goals.
Short-range ballistic missiles -: These are missiles that can travel a short distance, usually less than 1,000 kilometers, and are designed to hit specific targets.
Kaechon area -: Kaechon is a place in North Korea from where the missiles were launched.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff -: This is a group of top military leaders in South Korea who make important decisions about the country’s defense.
US Indo-Pacific Command -: This is a part of the US military that is responsible for operations in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes countries like India, Japan, and Australia.
Quad nations -: Quad nations refer to a group of four countries: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. They work together on various issues, including security.
UN resolutions -: UN resolutions are decisions made by the United Nations, an international organization that works to maintain peace and security around the world.
