North Korea keeps testing rockets and other missiles like here in April.
(Photo: IMAGO/UPI Photo)
Seoul The self-declared nuclear power North Korea has apparently failed to launch a satellite for military purposes. According to state media, it was to be launched on a multi-stage launch vehicle, which crashed into the sea between the Korean peninsula and China after the first stage separated, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday. After checking the sources of error, another start should take place as soon as possible.
The general staff in South Korea spoke of an “abnormal flight” of the North Korean missile, which took off from the west coast of the neighboring country in the morning (local time). The rocket launch briefly caused unrest in the metropolis of Seoul: alarm sirens could be heard in the South Korean capital, and text messages called on residents to prepare for an evacuation. The alert was later withdrawn. The Ministry of the Interior said it was a mistake.
North Korea had announced the launch of a reconnaissance satellite. South Korea and the United States interpreted this as a presumed upcoming test of a missile with ballistic missile technology. UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching ballistic missiles because, depending on the design, they can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested nuclear-capable missiles several times this year. The country is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.
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