North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan Friday, raising alarms and escalating regional tensions.
The strategic rocket forces fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean from a location near the capital. Not only is North Korea responding to sanctions and military drills aimed at its country, but the rogue regime also appears to be training for combat.
WATCH:
North Korean TV just broadcast this video of Friday’s Hwasong-12 launch, from many angles. pic.twitter.com/WXS6YIc1lV
— Martyn Williams (@martyn_williams) September 16, 2017
Rather than lofting its missiles, the North is firing them along a standard trajectory to determine how they will perform in an actual strike on an enemy. “It is necessary to positively push forward the work for putting the strategic force on a modern basis by conducting more ballistic rocket launching drills with the Pacific as a target in the future,” North Korean state media said after the regime fired a missile over Japan in late August.
State media also warned that the earlier launch was a “meaningful prelude to containing Guam,” which North Korea perceives as a forward base for a possible allied invasion.
During its most recent test, North Korea demonstrated the ability to hit Guam with its new Hwasong-12 IRBM. The missile flew 2,300 miles, putting Guam, which is only about 2,100 miles away, within striking distance. The weapon, which was first tested in May, is believed to be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads.
The U.S. and its allies are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the North Korea problem, but White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Friday that “there is a military option,” explaining that “we’re running out of time.”
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