El gráfico muestra purebas de misiles realizadas desde que Kim Jung-un llegó al poder en 2011.
GN41174ES

COREA DEL NORTE

Pruebas de misiles de Kim Jung-un

By Duncan Mil

March 25, 2021 - Corea del Norte lanzó dos misiles balísticos al mar cerca de Japón, en las primeras pruebas de su tipo desde que el presidente de EUA Joe Biden ocupa su cargo, alimentando la tensión previa a los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio.

Japanese and South Korean officials said the missiles flew about 450 kilometres (280 miles) at an altitude of around 100km, a trajectory suggesting they were similar to nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles.

“These missile launches, the first in roughly a year, pose a threat to the peace and security of our country and the region,” Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said. “We’re determined to work closely with the U.S., South Korea and other related countries to fully protect the people.”

Under Donald Trump’s administration, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, tested 57 missiles, including at least five Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States.

In April 2018, Kim declared North Korea would cease ICBM and nuclear tests in the lead-up to a summit with Trump. As diplomacy with the U.S. stalled, North Korea began to unwind its moratorium.

Missile tests since May 2019 have all been of new smaller, solid-fuelled models to verify that they worked. North Korea’s intermediate-range ballistic missiles and ICBMs are all liquid-fuelled systems, which can only be fuelled right before their flight, costing precious time in a potential conflict.

The launch serves as a reminder that Kim’s nuclear arsenal remains among Biden’s most significant foreign policy challenges.

Kim has conducted tests of 112 missiles and three nuclear weapons since taking power in December 2011.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 26/03/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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