Japan North Korea tests suspected intercontinental ballistic missile

According to initial statements by the South Korean military, a missile fired from North Korea on Thursday was an intercontinental ballistic missile - the first missile test of its kind since December last year.

The missile was launched in the morning (local time) north of the capital Pyongyang, flew eastwards in a steep trajectory towards the open sea and finally crashed into the water, according to the General Staff in Seoul. The office of the Japanese Prime Minister also confirmed that it had registered the test flight of a missile from North Korea.

As recently as Wednesday, South Korean military intelligence warned during a meeting with members of parliament that North Korea was about to test-fire a long-range missile and had possibly also completed preparations for another nuclear test.

Launches or even tests of ballistic missiles, which can be equipped with a nuclear warhead depending on their design, are prohibited by UN resolutions for the internationally isolated country under the leadership of ruler Kim Jong Un. North Korea is subject to international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile program.

The conflict over North Korea's weapons programs has become much more explosive again in recent years following a temporary lull. The country has tested nuclear-capable missiles and cruise missiles several times since the beginning of 2022. The last test of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile took place on December 18 last year.

SDA