North Korea conducts ICBM test to boost nuclear deterrent, US slams move

North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its first test in nearly a year. The launch of a weapon that can potentially reach the US mainland, comes just days before the US election, a timing that has raised concerns in Washington and among North Korea’s neighbors.

Leader Kim Jong Un ordered the test and was present at the launch site, calling it a “military action” meant to demonstrate North Korea’s resolve against perceived threats.

Officials from other countries have speculated that the missile tested may be a new, solid-fueled ICBM—a technological leap that would allow North Korea to launch weapons more quickly and discreetly.

North Korean state media acknowledged the test, calling it a success and highlighting its enhanced capabilities over previous launches, though without specifying details.

US join Japan, South Korea to slam missile launch

The United States, South Korea, and Japan, which identified the weapon as an ICBM, condemned the launch as destabilizing and provocative. US National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett described it as “a flagrant violation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Sung Joon, noted that the missile was launched on a high trajectory, likely to avoid overflying neighboring countries, and may have been timed strategically with the US election to strengthen North Korea’s leverage in future negotiations.

Japanese defense minister Gen Nakatani revealed that the missile flew for 86 minutes and reached an altitude exceeding 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), setting new records for North Korean missile tests.

Attempt to divert attention?

The timing of the launch also coincides with heightened international concerns over North Korea’s potential military deployment in Russia for the Ukraine war.

The US recently warned that North Korean soldiers, allegedly in Russian uniforms, are moving toward Ukraine, likely to reinforce Russian forces engaged in the ongoing conflict. The missile launch could potentially serve as a distraction from growing international criticism over North Korea’s alleged troop deployments.