North Korea Launches Missiles From Trains, Seeking U.S. Attention | WSJ

Summary

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles from a railway for the first time since March, showcasing its railway-borne missile technology. The missiles traveled about 500 miles and splashed down in waters between Korea and Japan, raising alarms among officials. This development complicates monitoring for South Korean and U.S. forces due to North Korea's extensive railway network. Amid domestic struggles, including food shortages and pandemic isolation, analysts view the launch as a strategic move by North Korea to regain U.S. attention and apply pressure for future negotiations, reaffirming its military capabilities.

Takeaways

• 🚀 North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on September 15th, marking its first missile test since March.
• 🚂 The missiles were launched from a railway system, showcasing North Korea's railway-borne missile technology.
• 📸 State media released videos of the launch, including footage of a train emerging from a tunnel and personnel in hazmat suits preparing.
• 🌍 The missiles flew approximately 500 miles at an altitude of 37 miles before landing in waters between Korea and Japan.
• ⚠️ The launch has raised alarm among officials in South Korea and the U.S., as it complicates missile tracking efforts.
• 📉 North Korea has been relatively quiet during the pandemic, facing domestic issues such as food shortages and border closures due to COVID-19.
• 🔍 Analysts suggest that the missile test is a strategy to draw attention from the U.S. and increase pressure for negotiations.
• 🎯 The test indicates that North Korea is eager to demonstrate its military capabilities and assert its presence internationally.
• 💬 Experts believe North Korea is leveraging its missile capabilities to gain an advantage in future diplomatic talks.
• 🌐 The situation highlights the challenges for U.S. and South Korean officials in monitoring a diverse range of missile launch methods.

Q & A

What recent event did North Korea conduct?

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles off its east coast, marking its first missile launch since March of the same year.

What type of missile technology did North Korea showcase during this launch?

North Korea demonstrated its railway-borne missile technology, indicating the use of trains for missile launches.

What was notable about the missile launch footage released by state media?

The footage showed a train emerging from a tunnel, with personnel in hazmat suits preparing for the launch.

How far and high did the missiles travel during the launch?

The missiles flew approximately 500 miles at an altitude of 37 miles before landing in the waters between Korea and Japan.

Why is the use of railway-launched missiles significant for South Korea and the US?

It complicates tracking and monitoring missile launches, as officials now need to account for rail, road, and submarine launch platforms.

What domestic challenges has North Korea faced recently?

North Korea has been dealing with closed borders due to COVID-19 fears and has admitted to food shortages.

What might North Korea's missile launch indicate about its intentions?

Analysts suggest that the launch is a strategy to increase pressure on the US and to seek attention for potential dialogue.

How do experts interpret North Korea's timing for the missile launch?

Experts believe that with the US focused on other international issues, North Korea saw this as an opportunity to reassert its military presence.

What is the broader goal of North Korea's weapons tests, according to analysts?

The weapons tests are viewed as a method for North Korea to gain leverage in future negotiations with the US.

How does this missile launch fit into North Korea's historical patterns of behavior?

This missile launch aligns with North Korea's past practices of using military demonstrations to provoke international attention and influence diplomatic discussions.