North Korea test 3 ballistic missiles amid US-South Korea drills
The US military said North Korea has test launched three short-range ballistic missiles into the sea. The launch comes amid a US-South Korea joint annual military exercise. The North had earlier threatened to fire nuclear-capable missiles at the US Pacific territory of Guam but later backed down. The US military said the latest tests don't threaten either the US or Guam.
North Korea successfully tests ICBM, Trump calls it "reckless"
On July 29, North Korea claimed it has successfully tested a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), calling it a "stern warning" for the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un claimed the entire US was within striking range, thanks to the test. The regime had also tested an ICBM three weeks ago. US President Donald Trump called the latest test a "reckless and dangerous action."
North Korea considering missile strikes on US territory of Guam?
On 9th August, in yet another sign of simmering tensions between North Korea and US, North's military said it is considering launching missile strikes against the US Pacific territory of Guam, an important regional base that houses American strategic bombers.
North Korea delays plans to strike US territory of Guam
On August 16, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delayed his decision to fire four ballistic missiles towards Guam, the North's state media reported. The US said the move isn't enough and that the North should show "intent on denuclearising the Korean peninsula." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the Washington is interested in holding dialogue with Pyongyang, but it's up to Kim.
North Korea fumes as US-South Korea hold massive military exercises
On August 21, the US and South Korea announced their annual military exercises, angering North Korea amid heightened tensions. America contended that the exercises were defensive while the North considers them a preparation for invasion. Pyongyang condemned the exercises as pouring "gasoline on fire." They came after Pyongyang backed down from its threat to attack the US Pacific territory of Guam.
North Korean missile tests a show of force
The missiles were fired from North Korea's Gangwon province and travelled around 250-km. The North often conducts tests as a show of force in response to US-South Korea military exercises. "The first and third missiles... failed in flight. The second missile launch... appears to have blown up almost immediately," the US military said. South Korea said it's monitoring the North to counter "further provocations."
