North Korea flexed its military muscle by firing two ballistic missiles into the waters off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-Un visits Russia to discuss an alliance with Putin’s Russia.
Missiles Fired Just Before High-Stakes Meeting
In a display of power, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, creating a tense backdrop to a meeting between leader Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin in Russia.
Kim’s Unprecedented Trip Abroad
This launch marked a historic moment as it occurred while Kim Jong Un was abroad, a rare instance as the North Korean leader hasn’t stepped foot off home soil since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Missiles Launched Near Pyongyang
The missiles were launched from an area near North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, and traveled an impressive distance of about 650 km (404 miles).
Violation of U.N. Resolutions
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the missile launch, deeming it a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Japan’s Diplomatic Protest
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno swiftly lodged a diplomatic protest against North Korea through channels in Beijing.
Missiles Land Outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone
Both missiles landed in the sea outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), alleviating concerns of direct territorial infringement.
A History of Missile Launches
North Korea has regularly conducted missile launches, ranging from short-range missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the continental United States.
Defying U.N. Bans
All North Korean ballistic missile and nuclear weapons activities are strictly prohibited by United Nations Security Council resolutions, supported by North Korea’s partners, China and Russia, in 2017.
Calls for Sanctions Easing
China and Russia have consistently called for easing sanctions against North Korea to kickstart diplomatic talks and improve humanitarian conditions.
Kim’s International Travels
Kim Jong Un, who assumed power in 2011, refrained from leaving North Korea for six years. However, in 2018 and 2019, he embarked on nine separate trips to China, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and Russia.
Kim’s Command and Control
The mechanism behind how Kim Jong Un maintains command and control over North Korea’s missile and nuclear forces while abroad remains mysterious. Recent drills, though, have unveiled a system similar to those employed by the United States and Russia.
The Surrogate Decision-Maker
During Kim’s absence, authority would likely be delegated to a high-ranking figure, possibly senior ruling party member Jo Yong Won or top parliamentary lawmaker Choe Ryong Hae. Both come from revolutionary families with deep ties to North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
“Here We Go Again” – President Biden’s Peculiar Conduct Towards a Baby Sparks Outrage, Fueling Alarming Questions About His Mental Fitness
Megyn Kelly, a well-known right-wing commentator, unleashed her fury on President Joe Biden for nibbling a baby’s shoulder, questioning his mental state and age. “Here We Go Again” – President Biden’s Peculiar Conduct Towards a Baby Sparks Outrage, Fueling Alarming Questions About His Mental Fitness
Kamala Harris’ CONFUSING Speech Draws Merciless Mockery and Criticism – “She Did It Again!”
Vice President Kamala Harris, known for her speeches, once again found herself at the center of controversy following her remarks at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. Here’s what happened. Kamala Harris’ CONFUSING Speech Draws Merciless Mockery and Criticism – “She Did It Again!”
Christianity in “Chaos” – Former Church Leader Warns of Political Interference Imperiling Its Future
A former top church leader has warned that Christianity is in “crisis” as the line between politics and religion grows ever closer. His comments have sparked a wave of discussion online. Let’s take a look at the full story. Christianity in “Chaos” – Former Church Leader Warns of Political Interference Imperiling Its Future
“Stop Accepting Migrants!” – Democrats Hit Hard as Voters Deal Crushing Blow Over New York’s Migrant Mess
A majority of New Yorkers, as per a Siena College poll, want the state to reduce the influx of migrants, with 58% expressing that New York has already done enough to assist migrants. “Stop Accepting Migrants!” – Democrats Hit Hard as Voters Deal Crushing Blow Over New York’s Migrant Mess
“This Isn’t Normal” – Biden’s Cognitive Ability Under Intense Scrutiny, Sparking Controversy Over His Ability to Lead a Country
President Joe Biden’s speech in Philadelphia caught the attention of many when a video clip surfaced showing him appearing confused and struggling to find the exit after finishing his address. Here’s the full story. “This Isn’t Normal” – Biden’s Cognitive Ability Under Intense Scrutiny, Sparking Controversy Over His Ability to Lead a Country
The post “Establishing Command and Control” – North Korea Fires Two Ballistic Missiles While Kim Jong Un Meets Putin in Russia to Discuss Possible Alliance first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexander Khitrov. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.