North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan

October 04, 2022 By Omal J

(Image Credit Google)

In what looks to be a calculated escalation to grab the attention of Tokyo and Washington, North Korea fired a suspected missile over Japan. Consequently, the ballistic missile traveled about 4,000 kilometers (2,800 miles) before crashing into the Pacific Ocean. On another trajectory, it may have struck the US territory of Guam. It is the first missile launch by North Korea over Japan since 2017. As a result, Japan issued an unprecedented warning to certain civilians to seek cover during the launch.

UN’s ban on testing missiles

The UN prohibits North Korea from testing nuclear or ballistic missiles. Additionally, it is against international conventions to launch missiles without warning or consultation towards or over other nations. Moreover, since it could be mistaken for an attack, most nations avoid it altogether. Although it is not as significant as a nuclear test—which could happen next—it can nonetheless be seen as extremely provocative. North Korea Launched a Ballistic Missile Over Japan

North Korea Launched a Ballistic Missile Over Japan

Japan issued a warning to citizens

According to reports, sirens and text alerts with the following wording woke up residents in the northern part of Japan, including Hokkaido island and Aomori city: "North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please evacuate into buildings or underground." Furthermore, officials cautioned citizens to watch out for falling debris as the missile sailed overhead. According to accounts, a lot of people seemed to maintain their composure. One video showed commuters in Tokyo walking peacefully as loudspeakers blared warnings. Others, however, appeared more alarmed. Kazuko Ebina, an Aomori resident, told the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, "If a missile hit, I was worried it would be a big problem not only here but also nationwide" Fortunately, officials later said that there were no reports of injuries and that the intermediate-range ballistic missile fell into the Pacific Ocean far from Japan. The ballistic missile traveled the farthest of any North Korean missile ever and ascended roughly 1000 kilometers, surpassing the International Space Station.

Japan's response

Fumio Kishida, the prime minister of Japan, called the launch "violent behavior," and Yasukazu Hamada, the minister of defense, stated that Japan would not rule out any measures for bolstering its defenses, including "counterattack capabilities." Adrienne Watson, a US National Security Council spokesperson, described it as a "dangerous and reckless decision" that was "destabilizing" to the area. North Korea Launched a Ballistic Missile Over Japan

North’s missile tests

The latest missile launch came on the heels of Japan, the US, and South Korea working together to bolster their defenses in response to the threat posed by North Korea. The three nations engaged in joint naval exercises last week for the first time since 2017. On the other hand, such exercises have long enraged Kim Jong-un, who sees them as evidence that his foes are getting ready for war. So, back in 2017, North Korea launched two missiles over Japan in retaliation for the joint exercises. And then carried out a nuclear test a week later. According to recent intelligence, North Korea may be preparing to test another nuclear weapon. However, the nation might wait before acting until after China (its biggest backer) holds its Communist party congress later this month However, some analysts are now wondering if it would happen sooner than anticipated because they think Tuesday's launch proves North Korea is getting ready to conduct a nuclear test. Moreover, this missile launch marks Pyongyang's fifth in a week—two missiles crashed on Saturday in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Most importantly, North Korea carries out most missile tests on lofted, high-altitude flight paths, avoiding neighboring countries. However, by shooting missiles over or past Japan, North Korean scientists can test them in situations "that are more representative of the conditions they'd endure in real-world use," according to analyst Ankit Panda, who spoke to Reuters. North Korea Launched a Ballistic Missile Over Japan

Why the missile tests?

Due to the North's historical kidnapping of Japanese nationals and Japan's 1910–1945 colonization of Korea, there have been ongoing tensions between North Korea and Japan. On another note, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, ruled out the chance of discussions on denuclearization as the country passed legislation earlier this month declaring itself a nuclear weapons state. Besides, six nuclear tests by Pyongyang between 2006 and 2017 resulted in broad sanctions. Yet, the East Asian nation routinely disregards the prohibition on nuclear and missile testing, claiming it needs to strengthen its defenses.