North Korea launches a ballistic missile that could reach U.S. bases

• North Korea launches intermediate-range ballistic missile.
• The South Korean military broke the news.
• The missile could reach U.S. bases.

North Korea sparked international concern by launching a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea.

This event, marking the country’s first launch of the year, coincides with an increase in bellicose rhetoric from Kim Jong Un.

Experts suggest that these actions could be linked to political strategies, seeking to influence the elections in South Korea and the U.S.

The situation came to light on Sunday, January 14, and highlights the need for a diplomatic response to avoid an escalation in tensions in the region.

North Korea allegedly launches intermediate-range missile

North Korea once again set off international alarms by firing a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea, according to the South Korean military.

This event marks the first launch from North Korea this year, according to The Associated Press.

It has raised concerns about possible provocations aimed at influencing crucial political events regarding its main opponents.

These include the South Korean parliamentary election in April and the U.S. presidential election in November 2024.

What did the authorities report?

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a statement confirming the detection of the launch near U.S. bases.

This occurred from the Northern Capital Region the afternoon of Sunday, January 7. It is being closely monitored.

In addition, they indicated that the missile, classified as intermediate-range, flew towards the eastern waters of the North.

South Korea, the United States and Japan are cooperating to analyze more details about the incident while maintaining military preparedness in case of any eventuality.

What stood out about this missile launch?

This launch follows claims made by North Korea two months ago, in which they said they successfully tested engines for a new missile.

This missile, according to experts, would be more difficult to detect and would have the ability to attack distant U.S. targets in the region, according to the AP.

The increase in these military activities, coupled with the intensification of war rhetoric by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has created an atmosphere of tension in the region.

For this reason, the authorities in Japan, South Korea and the United States are keeping abreast of the events occurring in North Korea.

Progress with missile testing?

In mid-November, North Korean state media enthusiastically announced the successful testing of solid fuel engines.

This test was intended for a new intermediate-range ballistic missile more powerful than those in the past.

This missile, according to analysts, would be designed to threaten U.S. military bases in Okinawa, Japan and the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific.

The inclusion of solid propellants in these missiles makes them more difficult to detect compared to liquid-fueled ones.

North Korea intensifies its rhetoric

Notably, Sunday’s launch represents the first public action of its kind since December 18.

North Korea tested its solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, according to the AP.

This is considered the most advanced weapon in the country and is designed to attack the continental United States.

In recent days, North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric has reached higher and worrying levels for countries that North Korea dislikes.

Kim Jong Un threatens the U.S.

During visits to munitions factories last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called South Korea «our principle enemy.»

And he also threatened to annihilate it if provoked, according to reports from North Korean media.

On January 5, North Korea also fired a series of artillery shells near the disputed western maritime border with South Korea.

This, in turn, ended up triggering similar exercises by South Korea in the same area, according to the AP.