New missiles launched by South Korea and the United States after the North Korean launch

New warning. South Korea and the United States fired several missiles at targets at sea on Wednesday, the day after the shooting by Pyongyang An intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) flew over Japan on Tuesday. For the first time in five years, Tokyo has activated its alarm system.

According to South Korea’s General Staff, the South Korean and US militaries on Wednesday launched two ATACMS short-range ballistic missiles to “accurately strike a hypothetical target” in the Sea of ​​Japan. These exercises “We have shown that we are capable and ready to neutralize the source of the provocation while maintaining an attitude of constant surveillance,” he added in a press statement.

However, the South Korean military confirmed the failed launch of a Hyunmoo-2 short-range ballistic missile, which crashed to the ground shortly after launch. The missile’s warhead did not explode and no one was hurt, according to the crew. Authorities said a large fire broke out and caused panic in the town of Gangneung on South Korea’s east coast, with many anxious residents calling city hall.

On Tuesday, South Korean and US fighter jets already conducted precision attack drills, according to Seoul, with bombs dropped on a hypothetical target in the Yellow Sea by two South Korean F-15K fighter jets. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, questioned by CNN, noted that it was a “response to the Northern provocations, to make sure we can show our own abilities.” “You don’t have to go that far. We made it clear to Kim Jong Un that we are ready to sit at the table without preconditions.”

The return of the US nuclear aircraft carrier

On Wednesday, the South Korean military also announced the return of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the region. USS Ronald Reagan Which conducted exercises with the South Korean Navy in September.

North Korea, which in September adopted a new doctrine that makes its status as a nuclear power “irreversible”, I went up this year It launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time since 2017. Tuesday’s launch was the fifth in ten days. Pyongyang has not commented on the matter in the official media. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday on the issue.

According to Seoul and Tokyo, the missile traveled about 4,600 km, probably the longest distance Pyongyang has reached in its tests. Missiles are usually launched in an elevated trajectory to avoid flying over neighboring countries. According to experts and senior officials, the missile is a Hwasong-12 IRBM with a nuclear capability. It was first tested in 2017 and is capable of reaching US bases on the island of Guam.