Tension on the Korean Peninsula: Kim Jong-un’s regime fired several cruise missiles into the Sea of ​​Japan

80

North Korean Regime Fires Several Cruise Missiles Amid Rising Tensions

The North Korean regime fired several cruise missiles that flew over waters near an important military shipyard on the east coast of the country, the South Korean Army reported this Sunday in a statement, at a time of growing tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated that “our armed forces detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near the waters surrounding the North Korean region of Sinpo at 08:00 today.” Although the South Korean military did not provide specific details about the launch, such as the number of missiles fired, their range, or whether they were launched from land or naval facilities, these actions increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

This action comes just days after North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un ordered the launch of several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea, describing them as the new generation of strategic cruise missiles. Over the course of this month, the North has stepped up its weapons tests, including what it called an “underwater nuclear weapons system” and a solid-fueled hypersonic ballistic missile.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that the launch is being analyzed by intelligence authorities in the South and the United States, and that they are “closely monitoring other movements and activities of the Pyongyang regime.”

Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missile tests are not prohibited under UN sanctions. These missiles are usually jet-powered and fly at a lower altitude than ballistic missiles, making them more difficult to detect and intercept.

In response, the United States, South Korea, and Japan stepped up their joint military exercises, which Kim Jong-un describes as rehearsals for an invasion, and improved their deterrence strategies based on U.S. nuclear-capable assets.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has worsened in recent months, with both sides abandoning a key agreement to contain tensions, increasing their border security, and conducting live-fire drills along the border.

Kim Jong-un recently declared the South his “main enemy” and dissolved government agencies dedicated to promoting cooperation and reunification of the peninsula. He also threatened war if Seoul violated “even 0.001 millimeters” of its territory.

In Seoul, President Yoon Suk Yeol told his cabinet that in the event of a provocation from the North, his country would respond “multiple times stronger,” citing the “overwhelming response capabilities” of its military.

During the annual meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee in late 2023, Kim threatened a nuclear attack against the South and ordered to strengthen his country’s military arsenal for a “war” that could “break out at any moment.”