US Indo-Pacific Command Condemns North Korea's Ballistic Missile Launch, Coordinates Closely with South Korea and Japan

Korea-Japan Alliance as Strong as a Pact... Defense Prepared

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un conducted an on-site inspection of the West Sea Satellite Launching Station, capable of launching long-range rockets that can be converted into intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Amid North Korea's launch of a projectile presumed to be a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) issued a statement condemning the act on the 24th (local time).

The Indo-Pacific Command stated in a press release that day, "We are aware of North Korea's ballistic missile launch and are closely consulting with South Korea, Japan, and allied partners regarding this matter."

It continued, "The United States condemns this action and urges North Korea to refrain from further destabilizing activities," adding, "We assess that this launch does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation."

The command emphasized, "The United States is prepared to defend the U.S. homeland and its allies," and "The U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan is ironclad."

On the same day, North Korea test-fired a projectile presumed to be a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the East Sea. Japan's Ministry of Defense reported that the ICBM-class projectile launched by North Korea fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) approximately 150 km west of the Oshiman Peninsula in Hokkaido after a 71-minute flight.

Japan's Ministry of Defense estimated the projectile's maximum altitude at 6,000 km and its flight distance at about 1,100 km. This marks North Korea's first successful ICBM launch in 4 years and 3 months since November 2017.

North Korea unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of targeting the U.S. mainland at the 75th anniversary parade of the Workers' Party founding. According to footage reported by Korean Central TV, the new ICBM is longer and has a thicker diameter compared to the Hwasong-15 model. A transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels appeared carrying the new ICBM. Photo by Korean Central TV [Image source=Yonhap News]