Washington: North Korean dictator Kim-Jong-Un is not deterring from his missile tests. The US intelligence report said on Wednesday that Kim Jong would probably conduct a nuclear test again. He can do this with the campaign to build his nuclear arsenal. The 2023 Annual Threat Assessment Report states that ‘Kim will continue to fire nuclear-capable missiles in an effort to normalize his Pyongyang missile tests.’
According to HT’s report, North Korea has conducted 6 nuclear tests since 2006, with each blast increasing in intensity. Its last nuclear test took place in 2017. “North Korea may be preparing to test a nuclear device to further its stated military modernization goals,” the report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said. “Kim certainly sees nuclear weapons and ICBMs as the ultimate guarantors of his autocratic rule. He wants his country to get international acceptance as a nuclear power.
North Korea funds its nuclear programs in part from the proceeds of criminal activity, including cryptocurrency theft. In a robbery in 2022, Pyongyang stole a record $625 million from a Singapore-based blockchain technology firm. In recent years, North Korea has ramped up tests of intercontinental and ballistic missiles. Last year itself, more than 95 missiles were fired from North Korea.
Over the past six months, North Korea has timed its missile launches in view of joint US-South Korean military exercises. It has been said in the report, Kim wants to reduce the strength of the US-South Korean defense relationship. Although North Korea says that they are doing it to protect their country so that the opposing forces cannot target Kim’s country.
