North Korea: missile launches to test a new weapon system
North Korea fired missiles again this Saturday, April 16, a test that aimed to try out a new weapon system.
(Illustrative image) AFP - JUNG YEON-JE
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
North Korea fired missiles again on Saturday, a test aimed at trying out a new weapon system.
This umpteenth test in a long series since the beginning of the year should make it possible "to increase the effectiveness of the operation of tactical nuclear weapons" according to state media.
These firings, carried out in the presence of Kim Jong-un, come at a key moment when experts expect a resumption of nuclear tests soon.
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With our correspondent in Seoul
,
Nicolas Rocca
A huge crowd, fireworks and synchronized dances were on North Korean television this Friday, April 15 to celebrate the 110th birthday of
Kim Il-sung
, the country's founder.
While many observers expected a possible show of military force from the regime on this occasion, it finally took place the next day in the presence of Kim Jong-un.
The latter oversaw two tactical guided missile launches supposed to improve the regime's long-range missile strike force.
A test that comes just three weeks after the largest
intercontinental ballistic missile test in
the country and while joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington will resume on Monday, April 18.
The very probable hypothesis of a new nuclear test
These training sessions, experienced as a provocation by Pyongyang, risk rekindling
tensions on the peninsula
.
Activities have also resumed in key sites of the North Korean nuclear program, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of a seventh nuclear test in the coming weeks.
Which would be a first since 2017.
The other possibility is that there will be a show of force with new missile tests on the occasion of the anniversary of the Korean People's Army which takes place on April 25.
Two weeks before the coming to power of the new South Korean president, who claims to want to show his firmness against Pyongyang.
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To read: A continental missile fired by North Korea falls in the exclusive economic zone of Japan
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North Korea
South Korea
Defense
Kim Jong Un