In a defiant move of provocation, North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan on Tuesday morning, North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan early on Tuesday morning prompting a “J-alert” from the Japanese government. The launch was the first launch over Japan since 2017. The launch was confirmed by the U.S. The White House issued a statement condemning Kim Jung Un and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea actions as “dangerous and reckless”.
It seems like the North Korean leader is unhinged and unstable as he has launched a series of missile test in the past year as a clear sign of defiance in opposition to the sanctions and relationship of neighboring South Korea and its allies. To date, every option placed on the table for a diplomatic resolve has gone unanswered as condemnation and sanctions have simply, not worked.
No damage was reported for the missile; however, government officials warned residents to not alter or touch any of the debris which was visible over several regions of Japan. Since the beginning of 2022, North Korea has fired over 20 such missile test in the region. Kim Jung Un, recently passed a law in North Korea declaring the countries readiness to launch nuclear strikes against neighboring countries to protect its democracy and way of life.
North Korea has continued the initiative to enhance its arsenal of weapons in recent years as Kim Jong Un has promised in his five-year plan. Reportedly, the missile launched was the intermediate-ranged ballistic Hwasong-12 around 7:30 a.m., which the range to reach Japan and Guam. The projectile flew over 4,500+ kilometers before landing in the Pacific ocean.
The Kim regime view any escalation, innocent or not in adjacent countries as a direct act of war. Recently, the U.S. and South Korea finished their annual precision bombing training in the sea which enraged Kim. The U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink stated, “The United States will take all necessary measures, involving all elements of American national powers to defend South Korea and Japan.
Many speculate that Kim Jong Un latest provocation is an attempt to pressure the United States and allies to lift international sanctions which has crippled North Korea economy.
