North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles on U.S election eve

North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast Tuesday, only hours before Americans head to the polls in a pivotal presidential election. North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs are set to be major foreign-policy challenges for the next U.S. administration.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the missile tests were detected from the Sariwon area in North Hwanghae Province, though they did not specify the number of missiles fired, citing ongoing analysis. “While strengthening our military’s monitoring and vigilance in preparation for additional launches, we are maintaining full readiness while closely sharing North Korean ballistic missile data with U.S. and Japanese authorities,” a representative for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, emphasizing the heightened state of alert.

The missile tests follow North Korea’s recent unveiling of its Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last Thursday, a development that Pyongyang hailed as a “milestone” in solidifying its nuclear capabilities. In response to the ICBM test, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan held joint air drills over waters east of Jeju Island on Sunday, involving a U.S. B-1B bomber. “Our readiness to counter any aggression remains unwavering,” a South Korean defense official stated, adding, “North Korea’s provocative actions will not go unanswered.”

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Further stoking globalconcerns, South Korea’s defense ministry reported that North Korea has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia, where they may soon see combat in Ukraine’s conflict zones. “This is an unprecedented and dangerous development that threatens to escalate tensions on multiple fronts,” South Korea’s defense spokesperson warned. The ministry added that many North Korean forces had been stationed along the border region in Russia’s Kursk, saying that the troops “could be drawn into active combat any day.”

Analysts have warned that North Korea’s actions may signal more aggressive posturing. “We see Pyongyang flexing its military muscle right before an American election,” commented Kim Joon-sik, a defense analyst in Seoul. “This is a reminder from Kim Jong-un that he demands recognition on the world stage and intends to assert his influence regardless of who wins in Washington.”

There are also growing fears of a potential nuclear test, which the South Korean military suggests could coincide with the U.S. election. “The North has been preparing for a test of this magnitude, and with the world’s eyes on the U.S. election, it would be an ideal moment to command attention,” said a source within South Korea’s military intelligence.

With North Korea having conducted six nuclear tests since 2006—its last in 2017—regional leaders are increasingly on edge. “The stakes are high,” a senior South Korean official commented, “and every action Pyongyang takes complicates the path to any future diplomatic solution.”