Tensions Rise With North Korea Amid Missile Tests, Military Deployments

Tensions have ratcheted up on the Korean peninsula in recent days, with North Korea carrying out another failed test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the weekend and the U.S. flexing its military might ahead of what could be another nuclear test by regime of Kim Jong Un.

While the U.S. military has long had a presence in South Korea and Japan, it has raised its profile in the region over the last week. After carrying out a successful ICBM test of its own a week ago, the U.S. has sought to reassure those nations by sending the U.S.S. Carl Vinson carrier strike group and two nuclear-capable B-1 bombers to train in the area with the regional allies.

It also deployed the terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) system, which is designed to shoot down short and medium range missiles and became operational on Tuesday. The missile defense system has proven controversial, with China objecting that its sophisticated radar systems help Americans track the movements of their military, and Russia alleging that it destabilizes the regional military balance. Even some in South Korea have expressed concerns that the protection THAAD offers is negated by worsening relations with China and Russia.

Whether North Korea continues its provocative tests of nuclear weapons and ICBMs in defiance of the U.S. and its allies remains to be seen, but the regime could soon face new sanctions. The House will vote this week on a bill strengthening sanctions on those who enable the rogue state’s nuclear program and human rights abuses.

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— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy / Public Domain)