Editorial
South Korea has ordered residents to Yeonpyeong e Baengnyeong to evacuate the islands, following approximately 200 artillery shells fired by North Korea off its western coast. These artillery exercises along the maritime border violate the 2018 agreement. The South Korean Defense Ministry condemned the North Korean actions, calling them "provocative", and called on Pyongyang to stop, warning that Seoul will take "appropriate measures" in response ”.
Tensions increased further following statements by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who ordered an increase in the production of mobile missile launchers, underlining the need to prepare for a possible showdown. Images of Kim visiting a missile truck factory were released, highlighting North Korea's ability to move rockets across its territory more discreetly. The North Korean leader was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, indicated as a possible heir according to South Korean intelligence.
The White House said US intelligence has detected that North Korea supplied ballistic missile launchers to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. According to US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, North Korea recently delivered launch systems and ballistic missiles to Russia, which were used against Ukraine on December 30 and January 2.
Experts suggest that Kim may step up weapons testing ahead of the US presidential election in November, seeking to extract concessions from the United States in the event of a possible re-election of former President Donald Trump. The maritime border between the two Koreas has been the scene of bloody naval battles since 1999, and the 2018 agreement, which calls for the cessation of exercises and aerial surveillance, is now at risk due to growing tensions caused by the spy satellite launch North Korean military last November. Seoul has accused North Korea of restoring front-line guard posts, contrary to the 2018 agreement, sparking further disagreements between the two nations.
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