The United States Responds to North Korea’s Missile Tests
The United States has acknowledged North Korea’s recent missile launches but does not consider them an immediate threat to American soil, to US personnel, or to its allies. This assessment has been reported by TASS, citing the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Officials emphasized that, while the event is not seen as an imminent danger to US forces, territory, or partners, the launches highlight the destabilizing impact of Pyongyang’s prohibited weapons program. The US military reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Republic of Korea and Japan, noting that this pledge remains unchanged.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had already been briefed on the missile tests.
Earlier, North Korea conducted a third ballistic missile test towards the Sea of Japan, marking what is described as the nineteenth ballistic missile launch in the year so far.
From Seoul’s perspective, the South Korean army indicated that the DPRK appears to have completed its preparations and is in a state of strong readiness for potential nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests.
Victor Cha, director of the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, suggested that Pyongyang might resume testing as early as the last weekend of May, potentially coinciding with Memorial Day in the United States on May 30.
Analysts note that these developments come amid ongoing regional tensions and demonstrate a pattern of strategic signaling between Pyongyang and its neighbors. Observers also highlight the importance of allied coordination and regional diplomacy as authorities monitor any further activity from the North and assess the implications for regional security. The situation remains fluid, with officials continuing to monitor movements and prepare for any necessary responses, while keeping channels open among allied partners and international organizations for de-escalation when possible. Attribution: official briefings and defense assessments from US Indo-Pacific Command and allied think tanks.