Share this @internewscast.com

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile into the sea Monday in a resumption of its weapons testing activities, its neighbors said, as the North vows retaliatory steps against U.S. and South Korean moves to boost their nuclear deterrence plans.

South Korea’s military said in a statement that North Korea launched what appeared to be a long-range ballistic missile from its capital region Monday morning. It said South Korea maintain a readiness while exchanging information about the launch with U.S. and Japanese authorities.

Japan’s Defense Ministry said it also spotted a ballistic missile launch by North Korea. A ministry statement said that the missile was still in flight and that it was expected to land in waters outside the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he had so far received no report of injuries or damages from the missile launch and that he planned to hold a National Security Council meeting to discuss the test.

The launch came hours after South Korea reported North Korea conducted a short-range ballistic missile test into the sea Sunday night. It was the North’s first weapons launch in about a month.

Observers said the North’s back-to-back launches were likely a protest against the moves by South Korea and the United States to bolster their nuclear deterrence plans in the face of North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats.

Senior U.S. and South Korean officials met in Washington over the weekend and agreed to update their nuclear deterrence and contingency strategies and incorporate nuclear operation scenarios in their combined military exercises next summer.

On Sunday, North Korea’s Defense Ministry slammed its rivals’ move to include nuclear operation scenarios in their joint drills, describing it as an open threat to potentially use nuclear weapons against the North. It vowed to prepare unspecified “offensive countermeasures.”

“The armed forces of (North Korea) will thoroughly neutralize the U.S. and its vassal forces’ attempt to ignite a nuclear war,” the North Korean statement said. “Any attempt by the hostile forces to use armed force against (North Korea) will face a preemptive and deadly counteraction.”

Animosities between the two Koreas deepened after North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into space Nov. 21 in violation of U.N. bans.

South Korea, the U.S. and Japan strongly condemned the launch, viewing it as an attempt by the North to improve its missile technology as well as establish a space-based surveillance system.

South Korea announced plans to resume front-line aerial surveillance in response. North Korea quickly retaliated by restoring border guard posts, officials in Seoul said. Both steps would breach a 2018 inter-Korean deal on easing front-line military tensions.


Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The attitude Nets' quintet of rookies are bringing as they begin to jell

The Emerging Cohesion and Spirit of the Nets’ Rookie Quintet

While it’s too early to officially name the Nets’ extraordinary lineup as…
Tucker Carlson Iran Interview Sparks Conservative Debate

Tucker Carlson’s Interview on Iran Ignites Conservative Discussion

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ignited a fierce…
Close-up photo of a woman with severe facial injuries.

Beauty Influencer Left ‘Disfigured’ Following Terrifying Home Invasion Involving Assault, Binding, and Bleach Dousing

A WOMAN was left “disfigured” after three men allegedly broke into her…
Reverend boyfriend of ex-Houston mayoral appointee who went on Camp Mystic tirade condemns her comments

Pastor Condemns Remarks Made by Former Houston Mayoral Appointee After Her Camp Mystic Outburst

The reverend partner of a former appointee to the Houston mayor’s office,…
TSA ends shoe removal at select US airports: Reports

TSA Discontinues Shoe Removal at Specific US Airports: Reports

The TSA has not officially announced the change. WASHINGTON — The Transportation…
A worker cleaning the hull of a large yacht.

Ferrari is creating a 100-foot yacht that can glide above the water without an engine

FERRARI is building a 100ft yacht that is able to “fly” over…
Mugshot of Taj Taylor, 27, arrested for claiming his laptop was a bomb.

Airline Passenger Causes Panic by Claiming His Laptop Is a Bomb During Flight

A PLANE passenger allegedly told his fellow travelers that his laptop was…
House where two children lived in Lauriano, Italy.

Significant Development in Heartbreaking ‘Ghost Children’ Case: Siblings, Ages 9 and 6, Discovered in Forest Wearing Diapers and Nonverbal

TWO “ghost” kids found living in squalor in the woods unable to…
Amy Schumer has slashed the price of her Brooklyn townhouse

Amy Schumer Reduces Asking Price for Brooklyn Townhouse

After being on the market for three months, comedian and actress Amy…
Cierra Ortega exits 'Love Island USA' days before finale amid backlash

Cierra Ortega leaves ‘Love Island USA’ shortly before the finale following controversy

Cierra Ortega is the second contestant on this season of “Love Island…
Fultondale man who died at the Jefferson County Jail had been booked twice over several months

Fultondale Resident Dies in Custody Following Multiple Arrests Over Several Months

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — An inmate at the Jefferson County Jail died…
Mike Brown brings 'championship pedigree' to Knicks as head coach's hire made official

Mike Brown Officially Joins the Knicks, Bringing His Championship Experience as Head Coach

Mike Brown is officially in the fold, and not a minute too…