WW3 fears escalate after North Korea launch suspected ballistic missile towards UK ally
Fears of escalating tensions have increased after Kim Jong Un launched ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan.
The extreme move has put regional defence forces on red alert, after the missiles were sent northeastwards on Sunday (20 September), landing in the water outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
North Korea launched the two short-range ballistic missiles, according to South Korea’s military, two days after the North threatened to bolster its nuclear deterrent capabilities and respond to what it called US hostilities.
The launches were the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations by North Korea even after US President Donald Trump scaled back a joint military exercise with South Korea last month in an effort to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un.
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The two missile launches, about three hours apart, were conducted from North Korea’s eastern coastal area of Wonsan.
The first missile flew about 280 miles while the second one flew more than 370 miles, both towards the North’s eastern waters, South Korea’s military said.
Officials confirmed there have been no immediate reports of damage to ships or aircraft in the area. Prime Minister Takaichi immediately ordered officials to analyse information.
Emergency teams have been instructed to prepare for further follow-up attacks. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters that Tokyo 'strongly condemns' the launch, which violates relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed they have strengthened surveillance and are sharing information closely with the US and Japan.
Japan is widely considered the UK's closest security partner in Asia, bound by defence pacts and strategic cooperation.
As per The Japan Times, the South Korean military had detected the launch of a second short-range missile from the North’s Wonsan area.
Several hours earlier, Seoul said a first short-range missile had been fired, estimating it had flown about 450 km.
In August, North Korea fired off a barrage of around 10 short-range ballistic missiles, hours after Trump claimed he would meet Kim Jong Un later in the year.
The US President is reported to be reducing joint military exercises with South Korea to encourage new diplomatic talks with the North Korean leader.
Topics: World News, UK News
James Holt