- 16:40Morocco's automotive production boosts regional growth in 2024
- 16:12Rental prices in Barcelona decrease by 6.4% after rent control measures, but challenges remain
- 15:44SpaceX crew replaces stranded astronauts on the ISS
- 15:06Winter weather alerts in Spain amid snow and low temperatures
- 14:40Xi Jinping declines EU invitation for anniversary summit
- 14:10Trump administration freezes US-funded media operations
- 13:45Australian teen Gout Gout shatters records with world-leading 200m performance
- 13:16Collective pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement
- 12:44Israeli airstrike kills nine in Gaza amid ceasefire tensions
Follow us on Facebook
Missile Launch Amid Diplomatic Talks: North Korea’s Latest Provocation
North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea as high-level diplomatic meetings took place in South Korea's capital, Seoul.
South Korea’s military confirmed the missile was fired eastward around noon local time (03:00 GMT), shortly after a meeting between the US Secretary of State and South Korea’s acting president. The projectile, likely an intermediate-range ballistic missile, traveled approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
Seoul responded by increasing surveillance and coordinating closely with the US and Japan. Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the missile fell outside its exclusive economic zone, with no reports of damage. Both the US and South Korean officials condemned the launch, calling it a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
Regional Tensions and Political Context
The missile launch, North Korea’s first since early November, comes during a period of heightened political uncertainty in South Korea. The country’s former president faced impeachment and legal challenges following a declaration of martial law in December. The acting president reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to its alliances and agreements, including intelligence-sharing and trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan.
Meanwhile, US officials expressed concerns over growing collaboration between North Korea and Russia, including possible exchanges of advanced technology and military equipment. Washington also suggested that Russia might recognize North Korea as a nuclear power, further complicating regional security dynamics.
Comments (0)