North Korea 'Preparing' for a New Missile Test

On Monday, September 4, South Korea's Ministry of Defense announced that North Korea is planning a missile test, likely of an intercontinental ballistic missile, to demonstrate its ability to target U.S. territory with nuclear weapons. Chang Kyung-soo, a South Korean defense official, informed the country's parliament that Seoul has detected North Korea preparing for an intercontinental ballistic missile test but could not provide details on how this information was obtained. He added that it is still unclear when this test will take place. Meanwhile, following a warning from the United States to North Korea about a 'devastating military response' to its nuclear threats, South Korea launched missiles into the sea on Monday to simulate an attack on North Korea's main nuclear base. Seoul also announced plans to temporarily install four additional THAAD missile launchers in the country. These actions come a day after North Korea announced its largest nuclear test to date. The South Korean military stated that its missile drills serve as a 'serious warning' to Pyongyang. South Korean F-15 fighter jets, along with ground-based Hyunmoo ballistic missiles, fired into the Sea of Japan. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea added that these drills are aimed at accurately targeting predetermined objectives. According to the Associated Press, each new missile and nuclear test by North Korea provides valuable information to Pyongyang's scientists to enhance the explosive yield of their bombs and missiles. The report states that North Korea has a growing stockpile of nuclear bombs and has managed to produce ballistic missiles capable of carrying small nuclear warheads despite severe international sanctions and diplomatic efforts. On Sunday, Pyongyang reported a subterranean test, which the North Korean government claimed was the explosion of a hydrogen bomb. This marks North Korea's sixth nuclear test since 2006. Mr. Chang specified that the recent test was equivalent to 50 kilotons, which is considered a 'significant advancement' compared to the country's previous tests. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, threatened in a series of tweets that the U.S. would halt trade relations with countries that engage in business with North Korea. This threat may be particularly aimed at China, a key supporter of the North Korean regime. In Washington, a reporter asked Mr. Trump if the U.S. would attack North Korea. He responded, 'We'll see.' The United States has not announced an immediate military action plan against Pyongyang and is primarily focused on intensifying economic sanctions against North Korea, which have not had much effect so far. James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, after a meeting at the White House with Trump and other national security officials, told reporters that the U.S. does not intend for the 'complete destruction' of North Korea but added that 'we have multiple options.' He emphasized that the U.S. would respond to any North Korean threats with a 'severe military response—one that is both effective and overwhelming.'