North Korea has intensified launches since 2022 and ramped up belligerent rhetoric this year. Photos of the tank released by North Korea show it has a launch tube for missiles, a weapons systems the former Soviet Union already operated in the 1970s. The U.S. and South Korea have been expanding their training exercises in a tit-for-tat response to the North’s weapons testing spree. Observers say Kim likely wants to use his upgraded weapons arsenal to win U.S. concessions like extensive relief of international sanctions on North Korea. They say North Korea is expected to extend its testing activities and ramp up warlike rhetoric this year as South Korea holds parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. a presidential election in November.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 15, 2024 12:28 UTC