In its initial missile launch of the year, North Korea reportedly shot an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea on Sunday, as conveyed by the South Korean military, as per Yonhap News Agency. The Joint Chiefs of Staff acknowledged being aware of the launch but provided limited details on the incident.
Following the ballistic missile launch, Japan’s prime minister’s office declared an emergency alert, indicating that further information was awaited. The PMO of Japan posted on X, stating, “[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow”
[Emergency alert]
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) January 14, 2024
However, South Korea’s Defence Minister Shin Won-Sik had suggested the possibility of Pyongyang test-firing solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles as early as this month, as reported by Yonhap News last week. On December 18, North Korea had launched the last Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile into the East Sea on a lofted trajectory.
The recent launch coincides with heightened tensions resulting from North Korea’s artillery shelling along the Yellow Sea maritime boundary on January 5-7. During a visit to crucial munitions factories last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un asserted his intention not to stay out of the battle with South Korea and vowed to destroy the latter if it attempted to use force against Pyongyang, as reported by Yonhap News.
Simultaneously, South Korean officials have indicated that provocative actions by North Korea are anticipated early in the year to escalate tensions before the country’s general elections in April.