North Korea test-fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile, potentially an intercontinental ballistic missile, days before the U.S. election. The missile was launched at an angle from near Pyongyang, falling into the sea off North Korea’s east coast. The launch, condemned by the U.S. as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. or its allies. North Korea has been ratcheting up its rhetoric against the U.S. and its allies. Experts say North Korea has not yet mastered technology to fit warheads on long-range missiles. The launch came after reports that North Korea could conduct an ICBM launch or a nuclear test. North Korea’s increasingly close ties with Russia, including military training and possible technology exchange, have raised concerns. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean officials condemned the deployment of North Korean soldiers to Ukraine. North Korea denies the deployment is happening, while Russia has not denied the reports. The situation remains highly volatile and concerning for regional stability.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com