The Central Telegraph Agency of Korea (CTAK) reports on the conduct of hypersonic missile launch exercises in North Korea. The launches, which took place in the Ryokpho area located in Pyongyang, reached targets approximately a thousand kilometers away in the Sea of Japan.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un directly observed the process. His statements emphasize the necessity of constant improvement in military technologies, highlighting the importance of offensive weapons as a means of self-defense. “Our actions are aimed at gradually increasing the level of nuclear deterrence, which is becoming increasingly relevant in light of recent geopolitical crises and the complex international situation,” CTAK quotes the North Korean leader.
According to Reuters, experts link these tests to Pyongyang's concerns about possible U.S. attacks on Venezuela. Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that Kim's words about a “recent geopolitical crisis” could be a hint at this situation.
It is also noted that the day before, North Korea condemned U.S. actions in Venezuela, viewing them as an infringement on the country's sovereignty. The missile launches occurred shortly before South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's departure to China for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
South Korean media reported that on the morning of January 4, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. These missiles, launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang, flew approximately 900 kilometers. In response to these actions, the South Korean authorities held an emergency meeting on national security issues.
