North Korea confirmed the test-firing of a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile, launched the previous day, flew over 1,000 km at a maximum altitude of 6,518.2 km before accurately hitting the East Sea. Although North Korea claimed the test was a "powerful warning measure" due to the perceived threat from hostile forces, the international community expressed concerns about the potential impact on regional stability. This marked North Korea's fifth ICBM launch in the year, and experts noted the missile's capability to reach any part of the continental US if fired on a normal trajectory.
Key Points:
1. North Korea confirmed the test-firing of a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the previous day.
2. Leader Kim Jong-un stated that the launch demonstrated the country's preparedness and the options it would consider "when Washington makes a wrong decision."
3. The missile, if fired on a normal trajectory, could have a range exceeding 15,000 km, capable of striking any part of the continental US.
4. The test was described as a powerful warning measure against perceived military threats from hostile forces.
5. Kim expressed great satisfaction with the launch, highlighting the reliability of North Korea's striking capabilities and nuclear war deterrent.
6. This marks the fifth ICBM launch by North Korea in 2023, the highest number recorded in a single year.
7. The Hwasong-18 is a solid-fuel missile, known for its speed and difficulty of detection before launch.
8. Kim Jong-un observed the launch alongside his daughter, and photos released by state media included images of Earth presumed to be taken from the missile.
9. The test adds to regional and global concerns about North Korea's missile capabilities and its stance toward the international community.
10. The launch underscores the challenges in diplomatic efforts to address security concerns related to North Korea's weapons program.
(With Agency Inputs)
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