North Korea Rattles Other Nations With Latest Tests
(USNewsBreak.com) – North Korea, formally named the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been stoking tensions in the peninsula with its aggressive military exercises. After multiple menacing tests, representatives from the Korean People’s Army announced the actions were a direct response to what it perceived as threats from South Korea and the United States.
North Korea’s Actions
The DPRK military ran missile tests in the sea off the peninsula on November 2. It launched multiple missiles, with one landing close to South Korean territory. On November 4, the hostile Asian country conducted more maneuvers, sending about 180 flights near the Armistice Line dividing the two nations. The nation also proceeded to fire other test missiles the following day.
In a statement reported on by The Associated Press, on November 6, the general staff of North Korea’s military explained the recent missile exercises were to practice for an attack. They focused on practicing targeting aircraft, posts, and bases of both the US and South Korean forces. The message also warned that they considered any aggressive actions by the two nations a threat and would treat them as such.
Allied Responses To Recent Events
The DPRK operations on November 2 came after joint military drills between South Korea and the US called Vigilant Storm. The two nations reacted by extending the operation from its original five days to six as a show of not backing down from the northern neighbor’s imposing actions.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council, released a statement condemning the initial barrage of DPRK missile tests. She called them a violation of UN Security Council agreements and noted they affect stability in the region. Watson demanded an end to the exercises.
On November 3, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup made a joint statement. Lloyd said the US is committed to defending and protecting South Korea and will not let its rival impact the partnership. Both men warned the DPRK that continued provocation was not acceptable and promised to continue with their military exercises. Lee also said a nuclear attempt would “result in the end of Kim Jong-un regime.”
After North Korea sent out 180 flights on November 4, South Korea responded by sending 80 jets into the air near the border area.
News outlets later reported on November 8 that the Biden administration would be increasing sanctions on North Korea’s defense programs. In a statement, the Treasury Department revealed the sanctions would focus on cybercrime and the movement of items that support “weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.”
The DPRK has not been afraid to threaten the use of nuclear weapons. But the US and South Korea have stood firm, letting Kim know his actions will not frighten away their combined military forces. However, despite the increased aggression from North Korea, the US and South Korea have continued to insist that their maneuvers are only designed to defend against attacks.
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