Washington: “Severe escalation”: North Korea tests new ICBM system

Washington: “Severe escalation”
North Korea tests new ICBM system

According to the US government, North Korea’s latest missile tests are related to Pyongyang’s work on a new ICBM system. Washington and Japan react indignantly, because the missiles could probably reach both countries. New sanctions are called for.

According to US information, North Korea has tested a new ICBM system during missile launches in recent weeks. The two tests on February 26 and March 4 were about a “relatively new ICBM system,” said a US government official. Neither the range nor the capabilities of ICBMs have been shown. Presumably it was about “testing elements of this new system” before North Korea complete a full-range launch.

“This is a serious escalation by North Korea,” said the US official. The USA therefore wants to impose new sanctions against the country, which is largely isolated internationally.

After the tests on February 26 and March 4, North Korea spoke of preparations for a reconnaissance satellite. The US government official said that if North Korea conducts a full test of the new ICBM, Pyongyang is likely to falsely present it as a space missile launch. Accordingly, the new system was first shown in October 2020 at a military parade.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed the US information. According to this, the rocket had reached a height of up to 600 kilometers in February and had flown about 300 kilometers. The rocket in March flew up to 550 high and also 300 kilometers further. Tokyo called the tests a “threat to peace and security that can never be tolerated.”

North Korea last tested an ICBM in November 2017. According to experts, the Hwasong-15 rocket tested can reach the entire mainland of the United States. As a result, North Korea refrained from further tests of ICBMs.

According to a report by the state news agency KCNA on Friday, North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un recently visited the starting point of the latest suspected tests in Sohae. He ordered the launch site to be expanded and modernized.

Washington wants new sanctions

A diplomatic offensive by North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un with then US President Donald Trump did not lead to tangible results. Talks between Pyongyang and Washington have been on hold since negotiations broke down in 2019.

The international community has already imposed tough sanctions on Pyongyang because of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program. Washington now wants to present new sanctions on Friday that are intended to further restrict North Korea’s access to foreign technologies.

The US announcement comes shortly after the conservative opposition candidate Yoon Suk Yeol won the presidential election in South Korea. The 61-year-old former Attorney General had threatened a pre-emptive strike against North Korea during the election campaign.

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