North Korea Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Tensions with the US and South Korea
North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles, the first since Trump’s return to power. These launches follow criticisms of joint US-South Korea military exercises. South Korea has increased military readiness in response, reflecting escalating tensions in the region. The geopolitical situation is further complicated by North Korea’s increasing cooperation with Russia amidst domestic challenges in South Korea.
North Korea has conducted several ballistic missile launches from its western coast, marking the first such tests since Donald Trump returned to the presidency. At least two missiles were identified by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff as being launched from Hwanghae Province, although precise details remain scarce. Yonhap News indicates these may be short-range ballistic missiles.
The missile launches occurred shortly after North Korea criticized the joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which commenced on March 10, labeling them as preparations for war. Following these provocations, South Korea heightened its military monitoring and readiness in collaboration with the United States.
The US-South Korea Freedom Shield 25 exercises are scheduled to continue until March 20, amidst concerns over North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia. The drills, the first since Trump’s inauguration, coincide with North Korea’s threats to enhance its nuclear capabilities. Earlier this year, Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of various missile tests, with a strategic cruise missile being the latest on February 26.
During his initial term, Trump previously halted some significant US-South Korea military exercises after initiating talks with Kim, despite those negotiations ultimately failing. Following Trump’s recent inauguration, Kim stated that conflict with adversarial nations was “inevitable” and called for an expansion of North Korea’s nuclear stockpile.
Amidst this geopolitical tension, South Korea is experiencing political instability due to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent martial law declaration and impeachment. Over recent years, various missile tests in North Korea have involved the Hwasong-11 missiles, which are capable of carrying substantial payloads, including nuclear arms. The US and South Korea have accused Kim of providing missile technology to Russia to support its military actions in Ukraine.
Kim has emerged as a crucial ally to Putin, further heightening concerns regarding North Korea’s military advancements and regime stability, backed by Russian aid. South Korea’s intelligence agencies suggested that North Korea has been bolstering its military support to Russia, having previously dispatched thousands of troops to assist Putin in the conflict.
North Korea’s recent missile launches signal a continued military assertiveness under Kim Jong Un, occurring simultaneously with heightened tensions due to US-South Korea military drills. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by North Korea’s ties with Russia and domestic political turmoil in South Korea, which may embolden Pyongyang in its nuclear ambitions. As such, these developments warrant close monitoring from international stakeholders.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
