North Korea's espionage operation fails soon after it begins.
North Korea tried to launch a satellite into space with military intentions. This move has sparked concern among Western nations, who view it as another attempt at espionage. The launch didn't go as planned, and tensions remain high.
As per North Korean state media, the country was unsuccessful in launching a satellite for military purposes into Earth's orbit. The carrier rocket, named "Malligyong-1," carrying the reconnaissance satellite, blew up shortly after liftoff. While initial guesses point towards a rocket engine failure, other factors might've contributed to the explosion.
South Korea's military noticed the launch of the rocket from their western border with North Korea on Monday night. Not long after, debris pieces were spotted in the ocean allegedly originating from the rocket. South Korea's top command later declared that the rocket may have detonated during flight.
Despite the failure, South Korea considered the launch a provocation. They accused North Korea of utilizing technology directly related to its ballistic missile program. North Korea is prohibited from launching or testing such missiles according to UN resolutions. These ballistic missiles can be armed with nuclear warheads depending on the design. North Korea faces international sanctions due to their nuclear weapons program.
North Korea had earlier notified Japan about their intention to launch a carrier rocket with a satellite in the near future. They even specified three hazard zones in the sea where rocket fragments might land.
The rocket launch transpired just hours after a trilateral summit between South Korea, China, and Japan in Seoul. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had cautioned North Korea at this meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Qiang against launching another spying satellite. He emphasized that the international community should respond decisively.
The US and its allies, including South Korea, Japan, and Australia, imposed new sanctions on North Korea due to the November launch of their first reconnaissance satellite. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, previously declared that his nation would launch three more spying satellites this year to monitor South Korea and the US more closely. Both nations claim Pyongyang supports hostile policies.
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In response to North Korea's announced satellite launch, the United Nations expressed concern, viewing it as a potential cover for further espionage activities. Despite the explosion of the carrier rocket "Malligyong-1" shortly after liftoff, suspicions remain about North Korea's involvement in missile tests, thereby violating international sanctions.
Source: www.ntv.de
