In a move that has drawn international condemnation, North Korea has announced the successful launch of its first military spy satellite.
According to a report by The Independent, North Korea’s successful launch of its first military spy satellite has been met with heavy criticism from the U.S. and the United Nations, who have labeled it as a “brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.”
South Korea and Japan have confirmed the launch but were unable to immediately confirm its success. This event has raised speculation about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un‘s intentions to boost the military capabilities of his nuclear-armed nation.
The Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite was launched from the Sohae satellite launch facility on a Chollima-1 rocket, according to North Korea's state media KCNA. The launch was reportedly supervised by Mr. Kim himself.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the launch and urged North Korea to revert to the path of denuclearization. The White House has also criticized the launch, calling it a destabilizing act for the regional security situation.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decried the action, labeling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. In response to the launch, South Korea's president has decided to suspend parts of a military agreement with Pyongyang that was intended to de-escalate tensions.
Despite the global backlash, North Korea has defended its launch, describing it as a "legitimate right" to strengthen its self-defensive capabilities and war preparedness.
Image via Shutterstock
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