State-run media on Tuesday accused U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert of bullying the North by flying in an F-16 fighter jet on July 12.
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North Korea revealed on Wednesday that the three ballistic missiles launched the day before were part of a mock nuclear attack on the planned US missile defense network in South Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in March ordered the tests of a nuclear warhead explosion and ballistic missiles with such warheads.
The three ballistic missiles flew between 500km (300 miles) and 600km into the sea off North Korea’s east coast, according to the USA and South Korea. The map has a curved line showing the simulated flight of the missiles, and the endpoint is in Gyeongsang, including the southeastern port city of Busan. “The men and women of USSTRATCOM, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Pacific Command remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and are fully committed to working closely with our Republic of Korea and Japanese allies to maintain security”, reported Fox News.
North Korea fired two nuclear-capable Scud missiles and an intermediate Rodong missile on Tuesday in what it said was a “simulated nuclear strike” on South Korea.
Following Tuesday’s missile launches, the USA also pledged to strengthen sanctions on the “leadership of North Korea”.
The tests were meant to examine the operational characteristics of the detonation systems for nuclear warheads of ballistic missiles to the designated altitude above the targeted area, said KCNA. “The KPA already solemnly declared that the USA imperialist aggression forces in South Korea are its first strike target”, the spokesman said. “Such actions are not conducive to reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” said Farhan Haq, a spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. According to the U.S., Pyongyang has raised the concerns of the worldwide community, requiring more pressure on the country’s government to suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program.
Earlier this month, South Korea and the United States officially announced their decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the southern county of Seongju by next year to deal with North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats. “The US should go back home, abandoning its wicked intention for a permanent stay in South Korea”, he added.
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North Korea is testing nuclear detonators for strikes against the South – in yet another defiant gesture from despot Kim Jong un.
