A North Korean missile launch (Photo: Reuters).
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected a ballistic missile launch by North Korea on Thursday, but did not provide further details. This was North Korea's first ballistic missile launch this year.
In an interview with Yonhap news agency last week, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik predicted that North Korea could test-fire a solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile as early as this month and could launch a long-range missile.
The last time North Korea launched a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-18 on an inclined trajectory into the East Sea was on December 18, 2023.
The latest missile launch comes amid escalating tensions after North Korea fired artillery shells near its maritime border with South Korea from January 5 to January 7.
Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he had no intention of avoiding conflict with South Korea, warning that he would retaliate if Seoul sought to use force against the North.
South Korean officials predict North Korea could carry out provocations early this year and escalate tensions ahead of South Korea's general election in April.
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