What is known about the new ballistic missile launched by North Korea and which caused evacuation orders in Japan

North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Thursday that sparked fear on the northern island of Hokkaido Japan, after the government alert system warned residents to evacuate and get to safety. This emergency lasted 30 minutes before being lifted. And that was not all, it is believed that it was a new and more advanced projectile.

After 8 in the morning, Millions of people received J-Alert on their deviceswhich orders the evacuation and search for refuge, because the missile could fall on the island of about 5 million inhabitants or close to it.

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According to the EFE news agency, the alert It was also issued for all vessels that were around hokkaido and the local railway operator decided to temporarily suspend the operation of all trains on the island.

A television screen displays a warning message called J-Alert in Japan after the North Korean missile launch. (REUTERS/Issei Kato)

But finally the missile landed in the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan after a 1,000-kilometer flight, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, something that was also confirmed by the Japanese government.

CNN reported that Fear turned to anger and confusion as the evacuation order was lifted as it had been sent in error.

In addition, local officials assured that there was no possibility of the missile hitting the island.

“What is the use of J Alertthat warns of the fall of a missile when it is not known where it will fall? asked one Twitter user. “In the end, it serves no purpose other than to instill in the Japanese people the feeling that Japan It’s a target, and to scare it.” added.

Another Twitter user said that even if the alert had been warranted there would have been very little time to find shelter.

Estimated range of North Korean missiles. (AFP).

The spokesman for the Executive JapanHirokazu Matsuno, defended the “proper” functioning of the system J Alertwhen asked at a press conference about the different indications offered to the population through this platform in a short period of time.

“A missile was detected that could be aimed at hokkaido, and right after he disappeared from the radar. Since the system generated such leads with limited detection data, the alert was issued from the perspective of prioritizing the safety of the public.” Matsuno explained.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on a television screen in South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee ​​Jin-man).

A new type of ballistic missile

Thursday’s was the 27th missile launch test so far this year in North Korea.

According to the AFP agency, it would be a new type of ballistic missile which would be powered by solid fuela technology long sought by the regime of kim jong un. She flew for about an hour.

“North Korea appears to have launched a new type of ballistic missile, possibly solid fuel,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP.

It should be remembered that all intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) acquaintances of North Korea They are liquid fuel.

North Korean missiles. (AFP).

Compared to them, the solid fuel missiles they are easier to store and transport, more stable and faster to launch, making them more difficult to detect and neutralize, AFP noted.

For its part, the AP agency explained that a solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile It is one of the high-tech key weapons that Kim Jong-un promised to build to counter what he calls US military threats.

Kim is also looking for a missile that can carry multiple nuclear warheads, a nuclear-powered submarine, a hypersonic missile and a spy satellite.

This image released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows a postage stamp issued in North Korea with an illustration of the recent parade of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) / AFP. (STR/)

Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told the AP that the launch may have involved a new medium- or long-range missile powered by solid propellants, or be related to the preparation of North Korea to launch a spy satellite.

The United States “strongly” condemned North Korea for the release of what he described as a “long-range ballistic missile”.

US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said this launch “unnecessarily heightens tensions and may destabilize the security situation in the region.”

He added that USA He will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of his country and of his allies in South Korea and Japan.

For its part, China, an ally of North Korea, criticized the “negative” role of the United States in the area.

Source: Elcomercio