- North Korea has continued its missile tests, according to information from Seoul.
- The North Korean military fired at least two short-range ballistic missiles about 20 minutes apart toward the open sea on Friday.
- This is reported by the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are increasing indications of an upcoming nuclear test.
IAEA chief warns of nuclear escalation
North Korea has repeatedly provoked missile tests in recent months. UN resolutions actually prohibit the autocratic state from testing ballistic missiles that can be armed with nuclear warheads. Experts have long been expecting that ruler Kim Jong Un will conduct a nuclear test in the coming weeks for the first time since 2017.
Legend:
This footage showing a North Korean missile launch is from October 10, 2022.
Reuters
“We hope it doesn’t happen,” said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on Thursday in New York. “But unfortunately the signs are pointing in the opposite direction.” The latest missile launches came shortly after the South Korean Defense Ministry announced that it would begin a major air force exercise with US forces next Monday. 140 aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighter jets, will take part in the Vigilant Storm maneuver from South Korea. The US Air Force wants to mobilize 100 aircraft for this.
North Korea regularly accuses the United States of preparing an attack through its maneuvers with South Korea, which both countries deny. The US has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.