Launching biggest ICBM, Kim warns Washington of ‘wrong decision’

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Dec 2023 09:50

The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, emphasizes that the missile launch, capable of reaching the shores of the United States, serves as a distinct message to adversarial entities.

Kim Jong Un greets workers at the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) following the successful launch of a reconnaissance satellite on November 23, 2023. (AP)

The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, has pledged to expedite the nation's nuclear development and cautioned Washington against making a "wrong decision" following his supervision of the launch of DPRK's most potent ballistic missile, as reported by state media on Tuesday.

The recent trial launch of the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 occurred on Monday, one day after the nuclear-powered submarine USS Missouri docked in Busan.

This development followed a joint warning from the United States and South Korea that a nuclear strike from Pyongyang would result in the "termination of the Kim regime." On Tuesday, the two allies, along with Japan, initiated a system for the instantaneous exchange of data on DPRK missile launches, intensifying their security collaboration amid rising tensions with Pyongyang.

Kim emphasized that the missile launch, capable of reaching the shores of the United States, serves as a distinct message to adversarial entities. He asserted that it highlights DPRK's available choices in the event of an unfavorable decision by Washington, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

"A drill of launching (the) ICBM Hwasongpho-18 was staged as an important military action to clearly show the DPRK's nuclear strategic forces' overwhelming counteraction will and matchless strength to the enemies," KCNA detailed.

Additionally, Kim outlined "some important new tasks for the development of the DPRK's nuclear strategic forces," as reported by KCNA.

The big picture

The Hwasong-18, the most significant missile in DPRK's arsenal, traveled slightly over 1,000 kilometers and achieved a maximum altitude of approximately 6,000 kilometers, indicating the "combat capability of ICBM unit," according to reports.

South Korea's military disclosed on Monday that the fired ICBM employed solid fuel, a feature that enhances transportation ease and quickens the firing process compared to liquid-fueled counterparts.

This launch marked DPRK's third test of a solid-fuel ICBM, following previous tests in April and July, showcasing consistent efforts to enhance the technology. Japan's Defense Ministry asserted that the Hwasong-18 potentially had a range exceeding 15,000 kilometers, covering the entire United States.

Heightened nuclear tensions

On November 23, the DPRK's Defense Ministry announced through KCNA that it had officially withdrawn from the 2018 inter-Korean Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA).

The withdrawal signifies a departure from the military confidence-building measures aimed at de-escalating tensions between the DPRK and South Korea.

The decision came a day after South Korea suspended a portion of the CMA in response to the DPRK's launch of a satellite.

The statement issued by Pyongyang emphasized that as a consequence of this withdrawal, the DPRK would be fortifying its border with South Korea. This move indicates an intent to resume all military measures that were previously halted under the CMA, thereby heightening concerns about increased military tension along the shared border.

The DPRK explicitly stated, "From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement." It further declared the withdrawal of military steps that were initially implemented to prevent tension and conflict across various domains, including ground, sea, and air. Additionally, the statement highlighted the deployment of more potent armed forces and new-type military hardware along the Military Demarcation Line.