The director of the U.S. military intelligence agency ruled out yesterday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing to conduct a nuclear test during the ongoing military exercises between the United States and South Korea, but the U.S. remains vigilant. U.S. officials have warned for nearly a year that North Korea may resume nuclear tests for the first time since 2017, a move that could be seen as a serious provocation by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other officials raised this possibility as early as May 2022, ahead of President Joe Biden's trip to Asia.
Lieutenant General Scott Brier told reporters at the military intelligence command that Kim could have chosen the timing of a nuclear test to coincide with the ongoing Freedom Shield exercises by the U.S. and South Korean militaries, which are scheduled to conclude today. Brier stated, "It does not seem that he will do that. But he will announce it at a time and place of his choosing, which we will monitor very closely."
The South Korean military announced yesterday that North Korea had launched several cruise missiles off its eastern coast, marking the latest in a series of weapon tests. Initially, the military reported "several missiles" were launched without providing details, but South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong Sup later informed parliament that four missiles had been fired. He added that North Korea has apparently made "significant progress" in miniaturizing nuclear warheads to make them suitable for tactical guided weapons systems. He continued, "I do not see that they are yet ready to develop what North Korea has recently called tactical guided weapons, but we are studying the possibilities with the United States."
In response to a question regarding North Korea's approach to deploying nuclear weapons, Lee stated that it had reached "substantial levels." The military reported that Pyongyang launched the missiles at approximately 10:15 AM (0115 GMT) from South Hamgyong Province. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the military is on high alert and that intelligence agencies in South Korea and the U.S. are analyzing the missile details.
