DPRK issues threat to 'destroy' US spy satellites

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Dec 2023 08:34

Following the successful launch of the Malligyong-1 satellite, the DPRK vows a strong response to Washington in response to any potential attack on its recently launched military satellite.

The launch of Malligyong-1, a DPRK military satellite, into orbit, on November 21, 2023. (Korea News Service via AP)

The DPRK issued a warning on Saturday, stating that it would "destroy" US spy satellites in response to any potential attack on its recently launched military satellite.

A spokesperson for the DPRK's defense ministry indicated that any potential attack on the satellite would be regarded as a "declaration of war," as the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported.

The statement was issued in response to a remark by a US official, where Washington suggested that it "could deny an adversary's space and counter-space capabilities... using a variety of reversible and irreversible means," about the DPRK's successful spy satellite launch in late November.

Sheryll Klinkel, a spokesperson at the US Space Command, stated this week that the US military has the potential to diminish the "efficiency and combat capabilities of enemy forces in various domains."

The spokesperson for the DPRK's defense ministry asserted that if the US tries to violate its space rights, Pyongyang will contemplate taking responsive measures for self-defense to undermine or eliminate the effectiveness of US spy satellites.

The big picture

The launch of a working reconnaissance satellite would enhance DPRK's intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially over South Korea, and furnish critical data in the event of a military conflict. Following last week's launch, the DPRK asserted that its satellite has already captured images of major US and South Korean military sites.

The launch marked the DPRK's third attempt to place such a satellite in orbit, following two previous failures.

The DPRK successfully launched its Malligyong-1 satellite while announcing plans to launch several more satellites in a "short period", stating that "the launch of reconnaissance satellite is a legitimate right of the DPRK for strengthening its self-defensive capabilities" as the country confronts what it describes as threats from South Korea and the United States.

The satellite was able to capture photos from Mokpo-si, Osan, Kunsan, and Seoul, all of which host military air bases. The United States operates air bases in Osan and Mokpo while its Air Force utilizes the Seoul Air Base.