United News of Bangladesh

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday, its neighbours said, days after the U.N. nuclear watchdog warned of “very serious” progress in Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons development.South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired Sunday morning from the Sinpo area on the country’s east coast, a region that hosts a major shipyard used for submarine construction. South Korea’s military said it has strengthened surveillance and is closely sharing intelligence with the United States and Japan.The presidential office in Seoul said the National Security Council plans to hold an emergency meeting to assess the situation. North Korea tests upgraded missile engine aimed at U.S. mainlandJapan’s Defence Ministry also detected the launches, saying the missiles were believed to have landed in waters off North Korea’s east coast. Tokyo lodged a strong protest, calling the launches a threat to regional and global peace and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions banning ballistic missile activity by North Korea.The latest launches come amid a series of weapons tests this year. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw missile tests from a destroyer, while earlier Pyongyang conducted three days of trials involving ballistic missiles with cluster warheads and other systems. In March, it tested an upgraded solid-fuel engine capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.North Korea has expanded its nuclear programme since the collapse of talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. While Trump has expressed interest in resuming dialogue, Kim has indicated openness only if Washington drops denuclearisation demands.

China’s national carrier has resumed direct flights between Beijing and North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, after a six-year suspension, shortly after passenger train services between the two cities restarted. The Air China flight arrived on Monday and was received by Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun along with other diplomats, Chinese state media reported. Passenger train services between the two countries resumed on March 12. Both flights and train services had been halted since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korea’s national airline, Air Koryo, had already restarted flights between the capitals in 2023. During the pandemic, North Korea banned all foreign tourists but has recently begun easing restrictions. A Russian tour group was allowed to enter the country in 2024. Before the travel ban, Chinese tourists accounted for about 90 percent of all visitors to North Korea. The delay in allowing Chinese tour groups to return had raised questions among observers. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key ally, although Beijing has repeatedly expressed concern over Pyongyang’s missile tests, which could potentially target South Korea and the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Beijing in September to attend a large military parade, marking the first time in decades that a North Korean leader joined such an event in China.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, slammed the United States and South Korea for going ahead with their annual joint military exercises, calling them dangerous for global security and warning of “terrible consequences” if North Korea’s safety is threatened. Her remarks came Tuesday, a day after the allies launched the 11-day ‘Freedom Shield’ drills, which involve thousands of troops and coincide with heightened U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Without explicitly mentioning the Iran conflict, Kim Yo Jong said the exercises undermine regional stability at a time when global security is “collapsing rapidly” and conflicts are erupting worldwide due to “reckless acts of outrageous international rogues.” Freedom Shield is a largely computer-simulated exercise aimed at testing U.S.-South Korea joint operational capabilities, often accompanied by the ‘Warrior Shield’ field training program. North Korea has long described such drills as rehearsals for invasion and frequently responds with its own weapons tests, while the allies maintain the exercises are defensive. Highlighting Pyongyang’s growing nuclear capabilities, Kim Yo Jong said North Korea would continue strengthening its “destructive power” and repeatedly demonstrate its war deterrence against perceived threats. Meanwhile, South Korean President ‘Lee Jae Myung’acknowledged that some U.S. defensive systems, including Patriot missiles, may be moved from South Korea to support Middle East operations but stressed such relocations would not seriously weaken Seoul’s defenses against the North. North Korea has criticized U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran as “illegal acts of aggression” disguised as peacekeeping. Amid a diplomatic freeze with Washington and Seoul, Kim Jong Un has leaned into a Cold War-style foreign policy, boosting ties with Moscow and Beijing, while portraying Pyongyang as part of a united front against the U.S. Pyongyang and Tehran were among the few nations supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have been accused of supplying military aid to Moscow. On a separate note, South Korea’s ‘Unification Ministry’said train services between Pyongyang and Beijing may resume this week for the first time in six years, potentially expanding exchanges and trade after border restrictions eased in 2022. Kim has also sought closer ties with China, meeting President ‘Xi Jinping’last September for their first summit in six years.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly chosen his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his official heir, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers on Thursday. Ju Ae, believed to be 13, has recently appeared alongside her father at major events, including a visit to Beijing in September, her first known trip abroad. The NIS said her increasing public presence and involvement in state events indicate she is now in the stage of “successor designation.” Lawmakers said Ju Ae has attended events like the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. She is also believed to have begun providing input on some state policies, showing her growing role in leadership. Ju Ae is Kim Jong Un’s only publicly acknowledged child. The NIS believes he may have an older son, but he has never been shown in state media. Ju Ae first appeared on North Korean television in 2022 while inspecting a missile system with her father. Her public appearances are seen as symbolic, showing her positioned prominently alongside Kim Jong Un. Analysts note that her selection as heir is unusual in North Korea’s patriarchal society, though female leaders like Kim Yo Jong provide some precedent. It remains unclear why Kim Jong Un, who is still young and reportedly healthy, has named a 13-year-old as heir, or what changes her succession may bring to the country’s policies and direction.   With inputs from BBC

North Korea on Tuesday fired what are believed to be ballistic missiles toward the sea in an apparent show of force, according to officials in neighboring countries, amid rising tensions with South Korea ahead of a key political gathering in Pyongyang. Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office and Defense Ministry reported the launch of possible ballistic missiles, while South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it detected at least one unidentified projectile launched off North Korea’s eastern coast. Details regarding the range or trajectory of the weapons were not immediately disclosed. The launch followed recent threats from North Korea to retaliate over alleged South Korean surveillance drone flights across the border, reportedly occurring earlier this month and in September. South Korea has denied conducting drone operations during the periods mentioned and said it is investigating whether civilian drones may have been involved. Experts say the drone allegations are likely part of Pyongyang’s efforts to stoke anti-South Korean sentiment ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, expected to be held in late January or February. During the congress, North Korea may formally incorporate leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration of a hostile “two-state” approach toward the Korean Peninsula into the party constitution — a move not seen in the past five years. Earlier this month, North Korea announced test flights of hypersonic missiles, which were reportedly observed by Kim Jong Un, who emphasized strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrence, according to state media. Read More: North Korea claims progress in hypersonic missile program amid regional tensions In December, the North said it had test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-aircraft missiles, and released images suggesting the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts believe North Korea is showcasing its progress in weapons development ahead of the upcoming party congress.

A Japanese court has ordered North Korea to pay compensation to four people who were persuaded decades ago to move there under a state-backed resettlement scheme. The Tokyo District Court ruled on Monday that Pyongyang should pay 88 million yen, or about $570,000, to the plaintiffs. The court said their rights were violated after they were misled into believing North Korea was a “paradise on Earth”. The plaintiffs told the court they faced harsh living conditions after arriving in North Korea, including forced labour and strict controls on movement. They later managed to escape. The ruling is largely symbolic as North Korea has ignored the case for years and did not respond to court summons. Still, lawyers for the plaintiffs called the verdict historic, saying it marked a rare legal recognition of wrongdoing by Pyongyang. More than 90,000 ethnic Koreans living in Japan moved to North Korea between 1959 and 1984 under the programme. Survivors say promises of free healthcare, education and jobs were not kept. One of the plaintiffs, Eiko Kawasaki, moved to North Korea in 1960 at the age of 17 and escaped in 2003. She is now in her 80s. A lower court had earlier rejected the claims, citing jurisdiction issues and time limits. That decision was overturned after an appeal. Lawyers said enforcing the compensation order would be difficult, but the judgment itself was an important step toward justice.   With inputs from BBC

North Korea announced on Monday that leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as it ramps up weapons demonstrations ahead of a major political gathering. The announcement came a day after neighboring countries reported multiple ballistic missile launches, condemning the tests as provocative. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the Sunday exercise aimed to assess the readiness of a hypersonic weapons system, enhance operational skills of missile troops, and evaluate the effectiveness of the country’s war deterrent. Kim stated that the drill confirmed a “very important technology task for national defense” and emphasized the need to continuously upgrade military capabilities, particularly offensive weapons. Possessing operational hypersonic missiles would allow North Korea to bypass U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted multiple tests in recent years to achieve this, foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have reached the required speed and maneuverability. North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea ahead of south korean leader’s China visit In recent weeks, the country has test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles, new anti-air missiles, and released images showing progress in building its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts believe these demonstrations aim to highlight weapons development achievements ahead of the Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, where attention will focus on potential shifts in U.S.-North Korea relations and the resumption of stalled negotiations. The nuclear issue is expected to feature in the Lee-Xi summit, with South Korea urging China to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the peninsula. The missile tests followed a bold U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which North Korea criticized as evidence of American aggression. Kim defended his nuclear ambitions, citing recent geopolitical tensions and complex international developments as justification for strengthening his country’s defense.

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday, just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for talks expected to focus on Pyongyang’s nuclear program. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were fired from the vicinity of North Korea’s capital around 7:50 a.m. and flew roughly 900 kilometers (560 miles). Authorities in South Korea and the U.S. are currently analyzing the details of the launches. The Joint Chiefs emphasized that Seoul is prepared to respond to any provocations and is closely coordinating with the U.S. and Japan. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed at least two missile launches, describing them as a serious threat to regional and global peace. Experts note that these latest launches are part of a broader display of military capabilities ahead of North Korea’s upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years. Analysts believe Pyongyang is using the congress to potentially announce new policies toward the U.S. and showcase progress in its defense programs. Since the collapse of Kim Jong Un’s summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has focused on expanding its nuclear arsenal. Kim has also strengthened ties with Russia over the Ukraine conflict and maintained close relations with China. Although the exact date of the party congress is unannounced, South Korean intelligence predicts it will take place in January or February. Sunday’s missile launches coincided with President Lee’s trip to China, where he aims to urge Beijing, North Korea’s main ally, to take a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and the U.S. have long sought Chinese influence over Pyongyang, though Beijing’s leverage remains uncertain. Seoul convened an emergency security meeting following the launches, warning that North Korea’s missile tests violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, North Korea has not commented on the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Kim Jong Un was reported to have visited a weapons factory on Saturday, ordering a 2.5-fold increase in production of precision-guided arms, underscoring his continued focus on military development.

North Korea's second naval destroyer was damaged in its failed launch to the water this week, state media reported Thursday, in an embarrassment for leader Kim Jong Un as he pushes to modernise his naval forces. It's not common for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks, but observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests that Kim is serious about his naval advancement program and confident of ultimately achieving its objectives, reports AP. During a launching event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday, the newly built 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck, according to the Korean Central News Agency. KCNA didn't provide details on what caused the problem, the severity of the damage or whether anyone was injured. According to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism." Kim called for a ruling Workers’ Party meeting slated for late June to address their “irresponsible errors." “It's a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it's speeding up the modernization of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build" a greater navy, said Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul’s Hanyang University. Canada is talking to US about joining ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system: Carney Moon suspected the incident likely happened because North Korean workers aren't yet familiar with such a large warship and were rushed to put it in the water. The damaged vessel was likely in the same class as the country’s first destroyer, unveiled April 25, which experts assessed as the North’s largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim called the first vessel, named Choe Hyon — a famed Korean guerilla fighter during the Japanese colonial period — a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military’s operational range and nuclear strike capabilities. State media described that ship as designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year and later supervised test-firings of missiles from the warship.

North Korea on Thursday fired various types of short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said, adding to a run in military displays that raised animosities in the region. South Korean military officials were analysing whether the tests were linked to the North’s weapons exports to Russia during its war in Ukraine, AP reports. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said multiple missiles were launched from the area around the eastern port city of Wonsan from about 8:10 to 9:20 am, with the farthest traveling about 800 kilometres (497 miles). It didn’t immediately confirm the exact number of the missiles it detected. Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs, said in a briefing the North Korean launches were possibly intended to test the performance of weapons it plans to export, as the country continues to send military equipment and troops to fuel Russia’s warfighting against Ukraine. Lee said the tests likely involved a short-range ballistic missile system launched from vehicles — possibly modeled after Russia’s Iskander missile — and also large-caliber rocket artillery systems, which experts say blur the line between traditional artillery and ballistic systems due to their self-propulsion and guided flight. Tensions soar as Pakistan vows retaliation over Indian strikes The Joint Chiefs said South Korean and US intelligence authorities detected the launch preparations in advance and tracked the missiles after they were launched. The countries were sharing the launch information with Japan, the Joint Chiefs said. It issued a statement denouncing the launches as a “clear act of provocation” that threatens peace and stability in the region. It was the North’s first known ballistic activity since March 10, when it fired several ballistic missiles hours after US and South Korean troops began an annual combined military exercise, and the country’s sixth launch event of the year. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent months as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to accelerate the development of his nuclear and missile program and supply weapons and troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.