North Korea Fires Missile: A Yearly Tradition and Plea for Attention
On Sunday, North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the sea, shortly before the South Korean president’s departure for China to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program. South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff detected the launches, estimating the missiles flew approximately 560 miles. Japan also confirmed the launch and condemned it as a threat. This marks North Korea’s first ballistic missile launch since November, and analysts suggest this may be a strategic move. This occurred before a landmark congress of North Korea’s ruling party and after Kim Jong-un ordered the expansion of missile production.
John Q. Hosedrinker