North Korea Has Successfully Launched Hwasong-17 The Largest Intercontinental Ballistic Missile On Thursday
North Korea has successfully launched its largest Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday and has officially published the news as well. The Hwasong-17 was first introduced in 2020. And even experienced analysts were also seemed to be surprised by the gigantic size it had.
It was the first launch after 2017 that an ICBM has been launched in the country. ICBM is a long-range missile that can travel a long way; this test has made the U.S. in the reach of North Korea. And as for fact North Korea is banned to test these missiles and was heavily sanctioned for having done it before.
According to state media, Kim Jong-un guided this launch himself on Thursday, stating that this weapon is discouraging nuclear wars. A representative of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Ankit Panda said about this launch is a ‘significant milestone for North Korea.
He added, ‘This test was long telegraphed and continues North Korea’s efforts to improve its nuclear deterrent’. Japan and South Korea who tracked Thursday’s launch said that the missile flew up and reached an altitude of 6,000km high. And fell into the Japanese water after flying for over an hour.
Prior to this, in 2017 Hwasong-15, another ICBM launched by South Korea reached an altitude of 4500 kilometers. According to the estimation of the experts, Hwasong-15 can travel 13,000 km if directed properly, which has brought the United States within the reach of North Korea.
And this new can travel even further. Some analysts have described the missile as ‘A monster missile’. It is now recorded as the largest mobile Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that is designed to carry out multiple warheads. The international community had been warned about this beforehand.
Kim Jong-un first brought up about this missile at the military parade in October 2020 and state media has covered the news several times, mentioning the part that it can travel a long range. After hearing on the news, the United States and its allies have issued condemnation stating that there will be further sanctions placed on North Korea.
The United States officials have mentioned this incident as a ‘brazen violation’ of UN Security Council resolutions, as the testing of ICBM has been escalated by the North Korean.
White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki said, ‘The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its destabilizing actions.’ Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General referred to the launch as ‘a significant escalation of tensions in the region’.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that it was a ‘breach of the suspension of intercontinental ballistic missile launches promised by Chairman Kim Jong-un to the international community.’
After the launch took place, the state media quoted Mr. Kim as he said that the country is preparing for an elevated and extensive confrontation with the imperialism of the United States.
