U.S. Sent Second Nuclear Submarine to South Korea Ahead of Kim Jong Un's Long-Range Missile Test
An American nuclear submarine, the USS Missouri, arrived at a South Korean military port marking the second U.S. nuclear submarine to be deployed in the country in the last two months.
Knewz.com has learned that the vessel’s appearance in the region was in response to the news that North Korea was planning a missile test.
The USS Missouri glides into port. By: Naval Sea Systems Command/US NAVY
The South Korean navy confirmed the arrival of the Virginia-class submarine, designated SSN-780, at a key naval base in the port city of Busan on Sunday, December 17.
South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement per Yonhap News Agency that the vessel’s presence was congruent with its “plan to strengthen naval exchanges and cooperation with the United States and to bolster our combined defense posture.”
The statement followed one from the White House which occurred after the second Nuclear Deterrence Consultative Group meeting in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 15.
“The United States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities including nuclear,” the White House’s statement read.
“Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime, and the U.S. side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response.”
North Korean’s latest long-range missile test occurred on Monday, December 18. By: X/@sputnik_africa
On Monday, December 18, Knewz reported that North Korea launched two missiles, one of which was a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that reportedly could reach the United States.
CBS News reported that the long-range missile went 600 miles before falling into the sea northwest of Tokyo and west of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
The USS Missouri is the second nuclear-capable submarine to be deployed to South Korea; the first sent was the USS Kentucky. By: The U.S. Strategic Command
One day later on Tuesday, December 19, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly threatened “more offensive actions” were to come in response to U.S. military “threats.”
Associated Press reported that the Korean Central News Agency stated Monday’s missile test showed how North Korea could respond if the U.S. made a “a wrong decision against it.”
Kim, who watched the test, stressed the need to “never overlook all the reckless and irresponsible military threats of the enemies … and to strongly counter them with more offensive actions.”
Knewz previously reported that North Korea launched a spy satellite into orbit – after two failed attempts – on Tuesday, November 21.
The United Nations banned the nation from satellite launches amid fears that the country could use it as a cover for conducting tests of missile technology.
“Even if North Korea calls it a satellite, the firing that uses ballistic missile technology is a clear violation to related United Nations Security Council resolutions… It is also a serious threat that affects the safety of the people,” said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Japanese administration had issued a missile warning for Okinawa, urging citizens to take shelter.
North Korea has launched 23 missiles since the start of 2023. By: MEGA
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told the press, “We are aware of the DPRK’s launch of a space launch vehicle and are consulting with the ROK and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. So I can confirm that we are aware of that but we’re still assessing the success of the launch.”
According to Time, North Korea launched 23 missiles since the start of 2023.