FALCON POWERS – North Korea launched one of its most powerful ballistic missiles early Thursday, October 31, 2024, according to the South Korean military.
Today’s missile launch marks the first missile test by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un since he was accused of sending troops to Russia.
The Korean Central News Agency announced that the country launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that set a record exceeding any previous test.
Kim Jong-un stated at the test site that the dangerous actions taken by the enemies of his country emphasize the need to strengthen its nuclear capabilities and “nuclear deterrence” missiles, asserting that his country will never change its stance on enhancing its nuclear arsenal.
South Korea warned on Wednesday that its northern neighbor may test an intercontinental missile or even conduct a nuclear test before the U.S. elections.
The launch occurred just hours after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Young-hyun called on North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia, as Washington claims that Pyongyang has deployed 10,000 soldiers there in preparation for potential military action against Ukrainian forces.
The South Korean military reported early this morning that it detected a long-range ballistic missile launched from an area near Pyongyang, adding that the missile traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers after being launched on a high trajectory.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea indicated that North Korea may have tested a new long-range ballistic missile powered by solid fuel, noting that missiles with integrated solid fuel are easier to maneuver and conceal and can be launched more quickly than liquid-fueled weapons, according to the Associated Press.
The military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that they monitored the preparations for the missile launch with their allies in Tokyo and Washington, stating that they would respond with “joint exercises involving U.S. strategic assets,” which always provokes anger from the North.
Japan also confirmed the launch, with Defense Minister Jin Nakatan saying the missile was intercontinental and flew longer than any other missile tested by North Korea.
Tokyo noted that the missile flew for 86 minutes and reached an altitude of 7,000 kilometers.
Nakatan told reporters, “This ballistic missile recorded the longest flight duration, and we estimate that its altitude was the highest we’ve seen,” according to the Associated Press.
