Two North Korean Missiles Tested

Two North Korean Missiles Tested

Even as Japan, South Korea and the United States discussed the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, two North Korean missiles were tested recently. The two Rodong missiles were launched from Sukchon and landed in the sea between Japan and North Korea.

South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Lim Min-seok said it will not be easy to monitor missiles launched through mobile vehicles. It also allows the North to launch missiles from any location. The tests were condemned by Kim since they violated UN Security Council resolutions imposed following recent long-range missile and nuclear tests.

The North Korean missile test was the first time the Rodong was used by the North since 2009. The missile is based on the Scud missile and has a range of around 800 miles. The test was the first time in recent years that the country has used mid-range missiles.

The 2009 test of the Rodong missile came after long-range rocket and nuclear tests by the North. On the other hand, the 2006 test of the Rodong missile was followed by a nuclear test by North Korea.

The North Korean missile test was described as a provocative and troubling escalation that is taken seriously by the United States, according to Marie Harf of the State Department. The six-nation talks intended to end the nuclear program of North Korea failed in 2009. Due to this, North Korea aimed at strengthening its long-range missile and nuclear weapons development.

Kim revealed the test may have been scheduled by North Korea to occur at the same time as The Hague meeting of the three countries. The discussion among the three countries produced positive comments from the leaders of the three countries.

The nuclear test of North Korea last year had a negative effect on the relations between the North and South. The latest North Korean missile test also happened during the anniversary of the sinking of a warship from South Korea, which resulted to the death of 46 sailors.

Posted by James Fried on Thursday March 27 2014, 6:05 PM EST. Ref: NY Times. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0