NKorea Launches Ballistic Missiles Towards Sea of Japan

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that North Korea launched a volley of ballistic missiles into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula toward the Sea of Japan, early Tuesday morning local time.[1]
  • Pyongyang launched at least seven missiles. They flew 250 miles (400 km) at a maximum altitude of 60 miles (100 km) before crashing into the water between North Korea and Japan, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.[2]
  • The US Indo-Pacific Command stated in a statement that they had reviewed the situation and deemed that the launch 'does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, or territory, or to our allies.' The US military said that it will continue to monitor the situation closely.[3]
  • Last week, Pyongyang conducted a test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. Following the missile launch, the US deployed a long-range B-1B bomber to the region in a trilateral exercise with Japan and South Korea as a show of force.[4]
  • On Tuesday, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's Supreme Leader, condemned the latest military drill by the US and its regional allies, accusing them of making 'aggressive and adventuristic military threats.'[4]
  • The launch comes as tensions between North and South Korea have reached a recent high, with some reports indicating that the North is supplying Russia with weaponry and personnel to support the Kremlin's efforts in the Ukraine conflict.[5]

Sources: [1]Al Jazeera, [2]Associated Press, [3]Dw.Com, [4]ABC News and [5]France 24.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Time. These latest North Korean missile launches are unacceptable. To maintain peace and security across the Korean Peninsula and beyond, Pyongyang must stop its provocative and destabilizing acts. North Korea must also promptly resume disarmament talks instead of cooperating with Russia by providing weapons and soldiers.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by KCNA Watch. The US and its regional allies are responsible for the escalating military threats against North Korea, which have heightened tensions on the peninsula. The latest missile tests should prompt a re-evaluation of the American approach to the region. North Korea, Russia, and China have never been closer, and the US must reconsider its policies if it wants to ensure its security in the future.

Predictions