North Korea launches ballistic missile
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters, according to a statement from South Korean military officials.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported in a brief statement that North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Thursday morning, though no further details were provided.
This marks North Korea’s first weapons test in over two months, occurring just three days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to intensify efforts to fully prepare his nuclear forces for combat against the US and its allies.
Kim’s pledge came as he described North Korea as facing a serious threat due to what he called the reckless expansion of the US-led regional military alliance, which is evolving into a nuclear force.
South Korea’s cabinet recently approved a presidential decree to establish a new military command, set to be operational by the end of the year. This command will focus on strategic operations aimed at enhancing deterrence against growing military threats from North Korea.
In mid-August, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed the creation of a consultative body with North Korea to discuss easing tensions and reviving economic cooperation, outlining his vision for unifying the neighboring states.
