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North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles, Escalating Regional Tensions

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Sunday, marking its first weapons test of the new year. The launch occurred as South Korea's president prepared for summit talks with China's leader, highlighting sensitive regional timing. This test follows North Korea's November missile launch and its October display of advanced hypersonic and ICBM systems. Pyongyang historically uses such launches to signal opposition to perceived hostile actions by the US and its allies.

Key Points: North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Amid Regional Diplomacy

  • First 2025 weapons test
  • Launched near Pyongyang
  • Coincides with South Korea-China summit
  • Follows US operation in Venezuela
2 min read

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles into East Sea

North Korea conducts its first missile test of the year, firing multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea as regional security tensions remain high.

"Our military maintains a firm readiness posture while closely sharing North Korean ballistic missile information with the U.S. and Japan - South Korea's JCS"

Pyongyang, January 4

North Korea on Sunday fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, South Korea's military said, marking Pyongyang's first weapons test of the year, Yonhap News reported.

According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missiles were launched from areas near Pyongyang at around 7:50 am local time. The launches were detected as regional security remained on alert.

"Our military maintains a firm readiness posture while closely sharing North Korean ballistic missile information with the U.S. and Japan sides amid a heightened surveillance posture against additional launches," the JCS said in a statement.

The missile launch came at a sensitive moment, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was preparing to leave for Beijing for summit-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The timing also coincided with heightened global tensions following US President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro during a large-scale military operation.

North Korea's last missile test took place on November 7, when it fired a short-range ballistic missile towards the East Sea. That launch was the sixth ballistic missile test conducted by Pyongyang last year.

North Korea has repeatedly used missile launches to signal opposition to what it sees as hostile actions by the United States and its allies, often carrying out such tests during periods of heightened international tension, Yonhap News

Earlier, in October, North Korea displayed new hypersonic and long-range nuclear missiles during a large military parade in Pyongyang on Friday night to mark the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Yonhap News reported, citing state media.

The parade took place in Kim Il Sung Square and showcased two major weapons the Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic missile and the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which North Korean state media described as the country's "most powerful nuclear weapons."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The timing is no coincidence. Launching missiles just as the South Korean President is heading to meet Xi Jinping? It's a clear message to the region and the US alliance. Pyongyang knows how to play its cards to get attention. 😕
A
Aman W
While North Korea's actions are provocative, we must also ask what drives this behaviour. Constant military drills and pressure from the US and allies create a cycle of escalation. A peaceful resolution seems far off, but dialogue is the only way.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. It's a stark reminder that nuclear proliferation and missile tech in our neighbourhood remains a huge challenge. India has always advocated for a peaceful Korean peninsula. Hope cooler heads prevail.
V
Vikram M
Hypersonic missiles, ICBMs... the parade in October showed they are serious. This isn't just a show of force for the East Sea, it's a message to the world. The international community's response has been weak. More sanctions don't seem to work.
K
Kriti O
It's the ordinary people in North Korea and South Korea who suffer the most from this tension. We in India understand living with tense borders. My heart goes out to them. Let's hope the leadership on all sides chooses the path of peace. 🙏

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