Amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea, North Korea has once again demonstrated its strength – and possibly newly developed weapons systems – in a late-night military parade.
The KN-25 multiple rocket launcher system – this weapon is well known and has been tested several times by Kim Jong Un.
With regard to satellite imagery, experts assumed that North Korea was showcasing more ICBMs than ever before at its troop shows and, of course, new types of missiles on Wednesday’s 75th anniversary of the formation of its armed forces.
The ICBMs on display showed maximum nuclear strike capability, state media in North Korea reported Thursday, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Photos showed leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the parade from a balcony in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square, which was brightly lit with searchlights.
He was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and his 9-year-old daughter Kim Ju Ae. The country, largely isolated internationally, is subject to severe international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program.
Numerous soldiers marched across Kim II Sung Square in visibly low temperatures.
Images from the parade indicated 10 to 12 North Korean Hwasong-17 ICBMs, North Korea expert Ankit Panda wrote on Twitter. “Together, that’s more ICBM launchers than ever seen on a North Korean parade.”
ICBMs, which have a range of at least 5,500 kilometers, are considered the primary means of delivering nuclear weapons. North Korea’s development of strategic missiles is mainly aimed at the United States, which Pyongyang accuses of hostile policies.
According to Panda and other experts, the first photos probably also show a new ICBM system with solid fuel propulsion. Solid fuel rockets are ready for use very quickly.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have escalated significantly since last year.
According to a UN expert report, Pyongyang tested more than 70 nuclear-powered missiles in violation of Security Council resolutions. The US and South Korea have resumed large-scale joint military exercises.
(saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
