North Korea Resumes Ballistic Missile Tests After Pause

North Korea resumed ballistic missile tests on October 22, carrying out several launches to the east after a five-month pause. The move came days before US President Donald Trump and other world leaders are due to visit South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, significantly escalating tensions in the region. According to Seoul officials, the South Korean military detected several, presumably short-range, ballistic missiles launched from an area south of Pyongyang. The weapons flew about 350 kilometers to the northeast, but no details were given about their specific landing site.

These launches are the first by Pyongyang since May 8, when short-range systems were tested that simulated nuclear counterstrikes against US and South Korean forces. This is also the first such action since the new South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office, who in June promised to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Experts note that the missile launches can be seen as a direct response to President Trump's recent actions and an attempt by Kim Jong Un's regime to assert its presence on the eve of an important international event hosted by Seoul. In response, the South Korean military stated that based on a strong military alliance with the US, it maintains a high readiness to repel any provocation.

Earlier, North Korea showcased what it claims is its "most powerful" intercontinental ballistic missile, the "Hwasong-20," at a military parade, which, according to observers, is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads to overcome US missile defenses. Analysts do not rule out that Pyongyang may also test this new missile in the coming months.

North Korea's actions, which violate numerous UN Security Council resolutions, have been condemned by the international community. Nevertheless, Pyongyang continues its weapons programs in response to joint US and South Korean military exercises, which it views as a direct threat to its security.