North Korea announced on Saturday that it remains committed to building its self-defense capabilities. North Korea launched a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) called Hwasong-19 on Thursday. This was revealed by an anonymous spokesperson from North Korea’s Foreign Ministry via state media KCNA, emphasized the country’s intent to counter perceived military threats from these “hostile forces.”
This is happening at a time when the United States and South Korea are escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The missile test has garnered global attention due to its unmatched capabilities in height and range. North Korean media has tagged the Hwasong-19 as “the world’s strongest strategic missile,” a powerful statement from North Korea as it aims to showcase its defense power. As per reports from South Korean and Japanese militaries, the missile flew deep into space before splashing down in the ocean between Japan and Russia.
Hwasong-19 launch raises concern worldwide
According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present at sight during the launch, and suggestrd that the test is proof of the country’s ability to produce powerful nuclear delivery systems. He wants to convey that North Korea is capable to reliability develop, manufacture and potentially diploy missiles equipped to carry nuclear warheads which ensures military strength. The Hwasong-19, like the Hwasong-18 launched last year, is solid-fueled, meaning it does not need immediate preparation before launch and is more challenging to detect than its predecessor, liquid-fuel missiles.
The test has raised concerns worldwide, especially as it took place just days before the U.S. presidential election, leading to quick criticism from the United States, Ukraine, South Korea, Japan, as well as European countries. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also criticized North Korea, as lately North Korea and Russia seem to have teamd up against Ukraine. Several reports suggest that thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to fight with the Russian troops against Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un’s sister’ Response to Criticism
However, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a key political figure, responded to recent criticisms from the United Nations Secretary-General regarding North Korea’s missile tests. She called the launches as necessary for the country’s self-defense, emphasizing that these actions are aimed at maintaining regional stability amid foreign threats.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon officials are investigating the missile launch but so far have not found any evidence of Russian involvement. According to the KCNA report, the test did not threaten the safety of neighboring countries, framing it as a justified step in the face of ongoing threats to North Korea. As North Korea continues to enhance its military technology, the Hwasong-19 now joins other advanced weapons in its arsenal, solidifying its role in the country’s defense strategy amid ongoing global scrutiny and geopolitical tensions.