North Korea confirmed on Saturday that it successfully test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile. The missile launch comes amid heightened tensions following landmine explosions along the Korean border. According to North Korea, the missile can manoeuvre in flight to avoid missile defences in South Korea and Japan.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stated that her brother oversaw the missile test, describing it as “strategic,” suggesting its potential to carry nuclear warheads. She claimed it can change trajectory at low altitudes and features unspecified artificial intelligence capabilities.
Japan’s military reported that the missile landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone. In contrast, South Korea’s military stated the missile flew over 700 kilometres. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated it was launched early on Saturday from the Wonsan area on the eastern coast.
Japan’s Defence Ministry estimated the distance at approximately 680 kilometres. Kim Yo Jong noted the discrepancy in distance claims as evidence of their inability to track the missile effectively. The launch followed her dismissal of Seoul’s demand for an apology for the landmine explosions that injured three South Korean soldiers near the military demarcation line on September 21.
A joint investigation by South Korea and the US-led United Nations Command concluded that North Korea had placed the mines. This constitutes a breach of the armistice that ended the Korean War. Seoul has urged Pyongyang to cease fortifying the border with mines and anti-tank barriers, a task that has intensified since Kim Jong Un declared South Korea a permanent adversary.
Kim Yo Jong criticised Seoul’s demands as “utterly pathetic,” denying North Korea’s responsibility for the blasts and warning of retaliation if South Korean troops opened fire along the border. The latest missile launch from Wonsan is part of a series of recent military displays, which include other missile tests, live-fire drills, and the commissioning of a new warship.
Since the collapse of nuclear talks with former President Donald Trump in 2019, Kim has largely abandoned diplomacy with the US and South Korea and has sought closer ties with Moscow. His arsenal now includes long-range nuclear-capable missiles that might reach the US mainland and shorter-range systems aimed at South Korea and Japan.
Key points
- North Korea test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that can manoeuvre in flight.
- The missile launch comes amid heightened tensions following landmine explosions along the Korean border.
- The US Pacific Command confirmed that the launch does not pose an immediate threat to American personnel, territory, or allies.
