North Korea says it plans to launch between May 31 and June 11, the Coast Guard announced Monday. In Tokyo it is suspected that it concerns the launch of a long-range ballistic missile. In cooperation with the United States, South Korea and other countries, North Korea will be urged not to fire missiles, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s office said on Twitter.
As early as December, the self-declared nuclear power North Korea reported that it had successfully tested the development of a reconnaissance satellite. It remained unclear which missile was used to carry the “satellite test body”. The space and long-range missiles are largely based on the same technology. Last month, North Korean state media announced it had completed development of its first military Earth observation satellite.
The “number one military reconnaissance satellite” has been completed and can be shot down at the scheduled time, ruler Kim Jong-un said. A start date has not yet been announced. A few days earlier, North Korea launched an ICBM that could theoretically reach US territory.
North Korea is banned from testing ICBMs and other ballistic missiles by UN decrees. Depending on the design, such missiles can be equipped with one or more warheads. North Korea’s nuclear weapons program is seen as a direct threat by the US and its allies such as Japan and South Korea. (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.
