North Korea launches missiles before US election: In a provocative display, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from its east coast on Tuesday, coinciding with a condemnation of joint military drills conducted by the United States, Japan, and South Korea. This military action occurred just hours before the crucial 2024 US presidential election.Details of the missile launchAccording to Japans Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, North Korea fired at least seven short-range ballistic missiles, which ascended to an altitude of 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles) and traveled a distance of 400 kilometers before landing outside Japans exclusive economic zone into the ocean. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles were launched at around 7:30 AM local time from the Sariwon area, located just south of Pyongyang.North Koreas rationaleNorth Korean state media, KCNA, reported that Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, criticized the military drills involving the US and its allies, labeling them as threats that necessitate North Koreas nuclear enhancements. Analysts suggest that this missile launch serves a dual purpose: to protest the joint air exercises by South Korea, the US, and Japan, and to showcase North Koreas military capabilities just before the US elections.Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, remarked, “If the ICBM was meant for the US, the latest ballistic missiles are for South Korea.” He emphasized that North Korea aims to capture international attention and divert criticism regarding its military collaborations with Russia.International reactionsThe United States is maintaining close consultations with South Korea, Japan, and other regional partners following the missile launches. The US military is actively monitoring the evolving situation. This latest missile test follows North Koreas recent test of the Hwasong-19, a newly developed solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile.With growing tensions, the backdrop of North Koreas missile launch coincides with significant geopolitical maneuvers, including a surprise meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Observers fear this could indicate North Koreas deepening ties with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
