Conflicts - South Korea: North Korea apparently tests intercontinental ballistic missile
According to the South Korean military,North Korea has fired a long-range nuclear-capable missile towards the sea. The launch of the suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was recorded on Monday morning (local time), according to the General Staff in Seoul. The missile flew towards the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. It was initially unclear how far the missile flew.
According to South Korea, North Korea had only tested a short-range missile late on Sunday evening. UN resolutions prohibit the self-proclaimed nuclear power from launching or even testing ballistic missiles of any range. Depending on their design, such missiles can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead.
The USA and its partner countries South Korea, Japan and Australia recently imposed new sanctions on North Korea due to the launch of a reconnaissance satellite in November. They accused Pyongyang of using technologies directly related to its intercontinental ballistic missile program. North Korea's development of ICBMs, whose range exceeds 5500 kilometers, is primarily directed against the nuclear power USA.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased significantly. Following an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested missiles including ICBMs and guided missiles several times this year.
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The United Nations has been vocal about North Korea's violations, as the country is prohibited from launching or testing ballistic missiles of any range due to UN resolutions. The recent launch of a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by North Korea, despite the USA and its allies imposing new sanctions for previous missile tests, has raised concerns in both South Korea and Japan. The North Korean capital, Pyongyang, continues to develop ICBMs with ranges exceeding 5500 kilometers, which are primarily aimed at the USA's nuclear capabilities.
Source: www.stern.de
