Kim's sister reaffirms North Korea’s resolve to expand nuclear arsenal Amid new ballistic missile test

The disruption of the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding region could lead to war; therefore, North Korea is committed to strengthening its nuclear arsenal without hesitation.

This declaration was made by Kim Yo Jong, Deputy Head of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Caliber.Az reports citing North Korea's state-run media outlet.

"Today, the imbalance of power between our enemies and us on the Korean Peninsula and in the region inevitably signals war; this is an undeniable reality," she stated.

Kim Yo Jong highlighted recent military exercises conducted by the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on November 3, which involved fighter jets and the B-1B strategic bomber, during which they practised "delivering immediate and precise strikes."

"This serves as yet another clear demonstration of the hostile and dangerous nature of the enemies of our republic," she added.

She further noted that the increasing frequency of military drills by the United States and its allies poses a serious threat not only to North Korea but to the entire region's peace and security.

"The DPRK's commitment to enhancing its defensive nuclear forces for deterrence is the only viable option in the current circumstances, and we will not waver from this path," she concluded.

North Korea likely launches ballistic missile

In a related development, the Japanese coast guard reported that North Korea has likely launched a ballistic missile.

According to Japanese media, the missile has already fallen, but details regarding its type are not yet available. Initial information indicates that the missile was airborne for about 20 minutes and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The launch took place at 07:33 local time.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that North Korea launched at least seven ballistic missiles, which had a range of up to 400 km and reached an altitude of approximately 100 km, all falling outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

"Today, North Korea conducted a launch of short-range ballistic missiles in a northeastern direction. At least seven missiles were fired, with flight altitudes reaching about 100 kilometres and ranges of up to 400 kilometres," the minister stated.

US reaction to potential missile launch

The United States administration views North Korea's missile tests as a threat not only to regional security but to the global community as a whole.

"The United States condemns the numerous ballistic missile launches carried out by North Korea on November 4 (Washington time). These launches, along with last week's intercontinental ballistic missile test, violate several UN Security Council resolutions. They pose a threat to regional and international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation regime," a US official from the State Department noted while taking a question from a journalist regarding North Korea's potential missile launch.

The representative added, "We continue to work closely with our allies and partners on how to best deter North Korean aggression and coordinate international responses to its violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Our commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains unwavering."

By Tamilla Hasanova