Tengrinews.kz - North Korea has conducted its first ballistic missile tests in 73 days, reportedly aiming to impact U.S. presidential election preparations and showcase weaponry potentially relevant to the conflict in Ukraine, according to South China Morning Post.
Tengrinews.kz - North Korea has conducted its first ballistic missile tests in 73 days, reportedly aiming to impact U.S. presidential election preparations and showcase weaponry potentially relevant to the conflict in Ukraine, according to South China Morning Post.
The missile launches occurred a week after Pyongyang warned that Seoul and Washington would face a “high price” for their joint military exercises.
The missiles were launched on Thursday from near Pyongyang's Sunan Airport, traveled approximately 360 kilometers east, and fell into the Sea of Japan. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea condemned the launches as a "provocative act" that poses a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and promised a "harsh" response.
"North Korea is demonstrating its capabilities in short-range missiles, likely with the intention of exporting them to Russia and strengthening bilateral relations," said Professor Kim Yong-hyun of Dongguk University.
Additionally, Professor Kim suggested that Pyongyang might be attempting to influence the U.S. presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.