North Korea Plans to Test 'One or Two Medium-Range Missiles'

The official South Korean news agency reported on Thursday, April 15, that North Korea has deployed one or two medium-range ballistic missiles on its eastern coast and is likely preparing to launch them on Friday, coinciding with the anniversary of Kim Il-sung's birth. According to Reuters, the Yonhap news agency cited several officials and informed sources within the South Korean government, stating that a mobile launch platform was observed transporting one or two Musudan model missiles. North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January this year and a long-range missile test in February led the United Nations Security Council to impose stricter sanctions against the country. According to South Korea's Ministry of Defense and experts, North Korea has not yet tested the Musudan missiles, which have a range of over 3,000 kilometers. Some experts suggest that North Korea may intend to test the Musudan missiles soon, as the country claims to be developing intercontinental missiles designed to target the U.S. mainland. U.S. security agencies believe that North Korea's missile capabilities to target the U.S. are currently very weak, but its capabilities will increase with a focus on missile technologies. A spokesperson for South Korea's Ministry of Defense declined to confirm Yonhap's report but stated that the country's armed forces are on full alert due to the possibility of North Korean missile tests, as Kim Jong-un, the country's leader, personally announced that more missile tests would be conducted in the future. In March, Kim Jong-un stated that North Korea would soon test a nuclear warhead and a ballistic missile capable of carrying it. The U.S. government, which has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, announced that it is aware of North Korea's preparations for medium-range missile tests and is closely monitoring its movements. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said, 'We once again urge North Korea to refrain from actions that would escalate tensions in the region.' Admiral Bill Gortney, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, agreed with South Korea's assessment that North Korea could equip medium-range missiles capable of targeting all of South Korea and large parts of Japan with nuclear warheads. Reuters adds that following the latest North Korean missile tests, the U.S. and South Korean governments have begun discussions about deploying a new missile defense system in the country. North Korea, which has repeatedly threatened to destroy South Korea and the U.S., typically conducts more missile tests during periods of heightened regional tensions or when it faces international pressure due to its continued defiance and nuclear programs. South Korean experts have stated that North Korea may be on the verge of a significant ruling party congress scheduled for May, where it is expected to declare itself a nuclear power, or it may demonstrate its strength around April 15, the anniversary of Kim Il-sung's birth.