Kim Jong Un claims to have seen pictures of US base
It is still unclear whether the satellite recently launched by North Korea is working at all. However, ruler Kim Jong Un explains that he has already been able to view the first reconnaissance images of a US base on Guam. South Korea, meanwhile, fears that its neighbor has an espionage advantage.
Following the launch of a spy satellite reported by North Korea, ruler Kim Jong Un has viewed aerial images of military bases in the US territory of Guam in the Pacific, according to the state news agency KCNA. Among other things, Kim Jong Un inspected images of the Anderson Air Base in Apra Harbour and "other major military bases".
According to KCNA, North Korea launched a carrier rocket with the "Malligyong-1" satellite on Tuesday evening despite international warnings and then placed the satellite in its intended orbit. The General Staff of the South Korean army confirmed the satellite's entry into orbit. However, it has not yet been possible to determine whether the satellite is functioning. Japan confirmed the launch of the carrier rocket, but has not yet confirmed the deployment of the satellite.
International reactions to the rocket launch
According to a government spokesperson, South Korea partially suspended a military agreement with the neighboring state from 2018 in response to the launch. Surveillance measures along the border would also be resumed. The USA also condemned the event. The launch using "ballistic missile technology" was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions, explained Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the satellite launch, according to a spokesperson, and stated that any launch by North Korea using ballistic missile technology would violate UN Security Council resolutions.
China, which is close to North Korea, called on "all parties concerned" on Wednesday for "calm" and "restraint". South Korea's secret services had been warning for weeks that North Korea was in the final phase of preparations for its third attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit after two failed launches.
South Korea fears advantage in conflict through satellite images
If North Korea has actually succeeded in placing a spy satellite in orbit around the earth, experts believe this would significantly strengthen its ability to gather information, particularly about its neighbor and arch-rival South Korea. The data collected by the satellite could therefore be decisive for Pyongyang in the event of a military conflict. South Korea, for its part, is planning to place its first spy satellite in orbit by the end of the month using a launch vehicle from the US company SpaceX.
North Korea has carried out a record number of weapons tests this year. North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile program has long been viewed internationally as a major threat. The UN Security Council has passed numerous resolutions calling on North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile programs.
North Korea carried out its first nuclear test in 2006. In view of the numerous North Korean missile tests, South Korea had strengthened its military relations with the USA and held joint military maneuvers.
The US Department of Defense expressed concern over the missile tests conducted by North Korea, viewing them as a potential threat to regional stability. Despite international condemnation, Kim Jong Un continues to order missile tests from Pyongyang, raising tensions in the ongoing North Korea conflict.
Source: www.ntv.de
