North Korea has fired an "unidentified projectile", South Korea's military said Monday, hours after Pyongyang informed Japan that it was preparing to launch another spy satellite. Watch in for more details!

North Korea fires 'unidentified projectile' over Yellow Sea

As Chinese Premier Li Qiang met leaders of Japan and South Korea in a trilateral meeting in Seoul, North Korea told Japan that it was going to launch a satellite by June 4.&nbsp;

Japanese media on Monday (May 27), while citing the country's coastguard, reported on the development after South Korea said that the North was preparing to put another military spy satellite into orbit.&nbsp;

The Japanese coastguard said the eight-day launch window began at midnight on Sunday into Monday. North Korea’s notice has designated three maritime danger zones near the Korean peninsula and the Philippine island of Luzon where the satellite-carrying rocket’s debris might fall, according to the Kyodo news agency.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-sunak-calls-uk-national-election-prachanda-survives-another-confidence-vote-and-more-725649">The Capitals: Churn in power centres — from London to Kathmandu</a>

Kyodo news agency further reported that the officials from Washington, Tokyo and Seoul agreed in a phone call to urge Pyongyang to suspend the plan. The three sides cited United Nations resolutions that would&nbsp;purportedly be violated if Pyongyang used ballistic missile technology — which it often does.&nbsp;

<h2>North Korea's satellite programme</h2>

Kim Jong-Un's North Korea launched its first reconnaissance satellite in November last year. The United States had denounced it as a "brazen violation" of the UN sanctions.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Experts cited by the Japanese media point out that these spy satellites are meant to improve Pyongyang’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly over South Korea in the event of a potential military conflict.

Seoul said last week that South Korean and United States intelligence authorities were "closely monitoring and tracking" presumed preparations for the launch of another military reconnaissance satellite.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405">Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</a>

Seoul claimed that North Korea received technical help from Russia for its satellite launch last year in exchange for sending Moscow weapons for use in the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

As top leaders of Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo meet in South Korea for their first summit in nearly five years, it remains to be seen if North Korea's military belligerence is put on the table for discussion or not.

As Chinese Premier Li Qiang met leaders of Japan and South Korea in a trilateral meeting in Seoul, North Korea told Japan that it was going to launch a satellite by June 4.

As Chinese Premier Li Qiang met leaders of Japan and South Korea in a trilateral meeting in Seoul, North Korea told Japan that it was going to launch a satellite by June 4. Japanese media on Monday (May 27), while citing the country's coastguard, reported on the development after South Korea said that the North was preparing to put another military spy satellite into orbit. The Japanese coastguard said the eight-day launch window began at midnight on Sunday into Monday. North Korea’s notice has designated three maritime danger zones near the Korean peninsula and the Philippine island of Luzon where the satellite-carrying rocket’s debris might fall, according to the Kyodo news agency. Also read | The Capitals: Churn in power centres — from London to Kathmandu Kyodo news agency further reported that the officials from Washington, Tokyo and Seoul agreed in a phone call to urge Pyongyang to suspend the plan. The three sides cited United Nations resolutions that would purportedly be violated if Pyongyang used ballistic missile technology — which it often does. North Korea's satellite programme Kim Jong-Un's North Korea launched its first reconnaissance satellite in November last year. The United States had denounced it as a "brazen violation" of the UN sanctions. What does it mean? Experts cited by the Japanese media point out that these spy satellites are meant to improve Pyongyang’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly over South Korea in the event of a potential military conflict. Seoul said last week that South Korean and United States intelligence authorities were "closely monitoring and tracking" presumed preparations for the launch of another military reconnaissance satellite. Also read | Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation Seoul claimed that North Korea received technical help from Russia for its satellite launch last year in exchange for sending Moscow weapons for use in the war in Ukraine. As top leaders of Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo meet in South Korea for their first summit in nearly five years, it remains to be seen if North Korea's military belligerence is put on the table for discussion or not.

Kim Jong Un issues alert on military satellite launch as leaders of Japan, South Korea, China meet in Seoul

BREAKING: North Korea fired 'unidentified projectile' over Yellow Sea, says South Korea

North Korea is all set to launch its new satellite. The nation notified Japan about its plan to launch the satellite between May 27 and June 4. Reportedly, it is North Korea's apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.

Why North Korea notifies Japan of its plan to launch a spy satellite

South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea.

South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea. The sanctions came as South Korea and the United States (US) accused North Korea of transferring weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusation. The sanctions In a statement, South Korea's foreign ministry said that sanctions were imposed on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels over weapons trade and other activities between Pyongyang and Moscow. Also read | North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia The ministry said that the two Russian vessels were carrying a large quantity of containers between Russia and North Korea transporting military supplies in a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Japan, meanwhile, imposed sanctions on 11 organisations and one person including what it said were Russian groups involved in military cooperation to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the news agency Reuters reported. Addressing a press conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa said on Friday that Russia's procurement of arms from North Korea violated the relevant UN resolutions that completely prohibit the transfer of arms and related materials to and from North Korea. Russia-North Korea ties deepen further Days before the sanctions were imposed, North Korean state media reported on Tuesday (May 21) that a Russian delegation arrived in Pyongyang, signalling a further deepening of ties since North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia last year. Also watch | WION Dispatch: North Korea dismisses rumour of arms export to Russia × The Russian delegation, led by Grigory Rapota- the chairperson of the Russia-North Korea friendship parliamentary group, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday. In a post on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in North Korea said that the delegation would be staying in Pyongyang until Friday and the two sides would discuss parliamentary exchanges and further engagements. (With inputs from agencies)

Alleged Russia-North Korea arms trade: South Korea, Japan impose sanctions

Israel, which recently said it was ready for new truce talks in the ongoing Gaza conflict with terrorist organisation Hamas, launched fresh deadly strikes in the Palestinian territory on Thursday (May 23).

Israel, which recently said it was ready for new truce talks in the ongoing Gaza conflict with terrorist organisation Hamas, launched fresh deadly strikes in the Palestinian territory on Thursday (May 23). Two pre-dawn air strikes had killed 26 people, including 15 children, in Gaza City. Fierce fighting was also seen in Jabalia and Rafah between the Israeli military and Hamas militants. While Iran released the first report on the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi. The report said that the helicopter throughout its journey flew on its predetermined course and did not deviate from the flight route. The report also said that there were no suspicious issues in the conversations between the flight crew and the watchtower. In other news from around the world, South Korea and Japan on Friday announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel launches fresh strikes on Gaza while saying it's ready for new truce talks Israel on Thursday (May 23) launched fresh deadly strikes on the Gaza Strip while saying it was ready for new truce talks in war against terrorist organisation Hamas. Citing the Gaza Strip's civil defence agency, the news agency AFP reported two pre-dawn air strikes had killed 26 people, including 15 children, in Gaza City. Iran releases first report on President Raisi's death, reveals pilot 'contacted...' The first investigative report on the fatal helicopter crash which led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the officials who had accompanied him was released by the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces. Alleged Russia-North Korea arms trade: South Korea, Japan impose sanctions South Korea and Japan on Friday (May 24) announced a series of sanctions on people, organisations, and vessels related to Russia's alleged procurement of weapons from North Korea. The sanctions came as South Korea and the United States (US) accused North Korea of transferring weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Modi says he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan if he was PM in 1971 In his first election rally in northern India's Punjab state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the past spectre of 1971 war with Pakistan and added that had he been the prime minister, he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib in return for the release of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers who surrendered to Indian forces then. Watch | Intense heatwave sweeps across northern India ×

Morning brief: Israel launches fresh strikes on Gaza; Iran releases first report on Raisi's death, and more

#Gravitas | South Korea has banned a viral North Korean propaganda tune. Titled as the "Friendly Father", the song sings praises of Kim Jong-Un. South Korea has linked it to psychological warfare. It says the song goes against the country's National Security Act.

Gravitas: Friendly father: South Korea bans TikTok hit 'idolising' Kim Jong-Un

South Korea banned a viral propaganda song from North Korea, which gained popularity in TikTok, because it idolised Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un as a "friendly father" and "great leader".

South Korea banned a viral propaganda song from North Korea, which gained popularity in TikTok, because it idolised Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un as a "friendly father" and "great leader". The media regulator of South Korea said that the music video, which gained massive popularity on TikTok after it was released in April, violated the National Security Act of the country. "[The song] idolises Kim Jong Un and praises and glorifies him," said Seoul's Korea Communications Standards Commission, in a statement on Monday (May 20). Access to the government websites and media of North Korea has been blocked under the Security Act which penalises behaviours and speeches that are in favour of Kim Jong Un's regime. Also Read: North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia The Friendly Father music video's 29 versions will be blocked, said the commission, however, it did not say how it will be done. The decision to block the song was taken after a request by South Korea's National Intelligence Service, it said. “The video is typical content linked to psychological warfare against South Korea, as it was posted on a channel operated to connect with the outside world and is mainly focused on unilaterally idolising and glorifying Kim,” said the regulator. South Koreans wish for no ban on the song to 'enjoy the joke' South Koreans' interest in the viral song increased after the imposition of a ban was announced. Some South Koreans said that the video should be left accessible "so that more people can enjoy the joke". "Friendly Father" has emerged as the latest among the pop songs being churned out by the propaganda machine of Pyongyang in the past 50 years. In the catchy, bright-tempo song, Kim has been described as “father” and “the Great”, which are the terms that were earlier reserved for the first leader of North Korea Kim Il Sung. Watch: North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system “Let’s sing Kim Jong Un, the great leader/ Let’s brag about Kim Jong Un, our friendly father,” the song goes. Some TikTok users said that they play the song while exercising in the gym or doing homework, while others say that it has a nostalgic style which is a reminder of older Spanish and French pop music. North Korea and South Korea were divided after the Korean War came to an end in 1953 with an armistice. No peace treaty was signed between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea imposes ban on viral TikTok song which idolises North's Kim Jong Un

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft. Their widespread employment in conjunction with traditional artillery and aircraft is the new battlefield paradigm. The global inventory of rockets and missiles has expanded geometrically. Firepower has changed drastically as rockets and missiles have been employed as geopolitical tools of coercion, as conventional weapons in battle and as a tool of power by non-state actors. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>The Geopolitical Tools of Coercion</h2>

North Korea pioneered provocative testing cum demonstrative firings of missiles and rockets as geopolitical tools of coercion since the late 70s. Initially, North Korean missiles had 50% failures. Current failure rates are only around 15%. As missile reliability improved, the North Korean threat has increased. In 2024, North Korea tested a cruise missile and IRBMs with hypersonic glide capability thrice. It keeps threatening the United States, South Korea and Japan through such firings. North Korea keeps firing a mix of unguided rockets, guided missiles and cruise missiles to keep the Eastern Pacific destabilised. It also conveys nuclear ambiguity through missile testing. It even fires conventional rockets mixed with tube artillery near inhabited areas to explicitly threaten and coerce South Korea. &nbsp;

China has a vast array of modern missiles and rockets. The PLARF is the largest ground-based missile force on earth. China regularly carries out large-scale rocket and missile firing demonstratively along with naval and air exercises to threaten and coerce Taiwan. The larger message is to demonstrate China’s resolve and capability to annex Taiwan, fight and win wars and project power globally. China uses the PLARF to convey its credibility and capabilities of nuclear deterrence and counterattack, strengthen intermediate and long-range precision strike forces, and enhance strategic counter-balance capability. It is a potent threat to China’s neighbours and adversaries. It also gives the PLA the ability to influence local, regional, and global military conflicts. In simple terms, it is geopolitical coercion on a global scale.&nbsp;

<h2>Rockets and Missiles in Conventional Battles</h2>

The &nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict indicated how conventional wars will be fought using rockets, missiles, drones, and artillery. While its highlight was the extensive use of drones to complement conventional artillery, it also featured the heavy use of missiles and rocket artillery. This aspect has largely gone unnoticed. &nbsp;Both sides deployed and employed a range of rockets and missiles. These were a combination of legacy systems of the USSR era as also modern systems procured from different sources individually. Azerbaijan invested more into its rocket and missile arsenal to include guided rockets and MLRS systems to engage targets up to 200 km in depth. The balance tipped in Azerbaijan’s favour due to better drones and rocket artillery and a willingness to use them in an innovative and integrated manner. &nbsp;

The violence of firepower and its centrality in battle is reinforced in the Ukraine war. &nbsp;Employment of guns, rockets and missiles – guided, cruise and hypersonic has been unrestricted, imaginative and extensive. &nbsp;Major lessons have been drawn. Terrain, ground or weather might deter, inhibit or preclude the employment of Air, Infantry and Armour but nothing deters long-range Artillery. It overcomes terrain friction by striking deep. Despite static front lines, the daily situation changes due to orchestrated firepower strikes across the battlefield. Long-range vectors generate strategic as well as battlefield manoeuvre. They have been used to achieve political aims by deliberate firing on specified targets. Russia has postured with nuclear warheads and fired conventional warheads to achieve deterrence. It has done so through extensive use of air, hypersonic/cruise/guided missiles, rockets, and guns to deter NATO from getting directly involved. Ukraine uses rockets and cruise missiles imaginatively to deliver crucial blows to Russia. It has sunk a large part of the Russian Navy. &nbsp;Rockets and missiles have been used innovatively in executing ‘firepower ambushes’, &nbsp;undertaking ‘track and kill’ operations and carrying out ‘spoiling attacks’. A major factor which has emerged is that rockets and missiles used in conjunction with drones and a good command and control system dominate conventional battlefields.&nbsp;

<h2>The Non-State Tool of Power</h2>

The Houthi movement to grab power in Yemen is decades old. When the Saudis intervened, Iran stepped in. It provided the Houthis with a liberal supply of rockets and missiles. Once Saudi Arabia and Iran got involved, the Yemen civil war acquired local, regional and international flavours. “The Missile War in Yemen” &nbsp;marks the rise in the use of rockets and ballistic missiles by nonstate actors/proxies. Houthis have fired innumerable rockets and missiles locally at Yemen’s Government and Saudi bases, population centres, and infrastructure to trigger a humanitarian crisis. Regionally, Houthis have used a combination of cruise missiles, unguided rockets, ballistic missiles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Saudi Arabia. The most spectacular being the 2019 ARAMCO attacks of Abqaiq and Khurais oil refineries. The Houthi SAMs have downed many &nbsp;Saudi coalition force aircraft. Their rocket and missile arsenal has secured a power-sharing agreement in Yemen. The Houthis are exercising ‘sea denial’ from land by firing drones and anti-ship cruise missiles against international shipping, oil tankers and U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea. The Houthi arsenal of long-range missiles and drones has complicated the prospect of restoring peace and stability in West Asia or normalising international trade. &nbsp;

The Iran-backed Hezbollah is the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor, described as ‘a militia trained like an army and equipped like a state’. Its rocket and missile arsenal is arrayed against Israel. Hezbollah’s missile inventory is mostly unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets which lack precision or lethality. However, sheer numbers and volume make them potent weapons of terror. From the 2006 Lebanon war to now, they have expanded from 15,000 rockets and missiles to about 130,000-150,000. Hezbollah uses them as tools of terror and deterrence.&nbsp; 
Hezbollah’s ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics make detection, &nbsp;suppression and retaliation extremely difficult. It negates Israeli airpower. &nbsp;Hence, Hezbollah and Israeli troops are on equal footing in battle. It gives an advantage to Hezbollah which fights from behind a civilian façade like all non-state actors. Hezbollah and Houthi forces are collaborating to develop and employ rockets and missiles against Israel. Hezbollah is pushing to acquire longer-range precision-guided munitions. It has some rockets and missiles with a range of up to even 250 km. This is feasible due to the proliferation of missile technology by Iran.&nbsp;

Hamas was estimated to possess around 6000 rockets in a mix of short (15-20 km), medium ( 45 km) and long (100-200 km) range rockets. Hamas has adapted ideas from the Houthis and Hezbollah with Iranian assistance. Hamas specialises in making crude rockets using water pipes and filling them with any available explosive. Though erratic, they strike terror and make defiant political statements. Hamas uses civilian infrastructure and tunnels to camouflage and store these weapons. Hamas used to fire rockets into Israel from civilian areas of the Gaza Strip. It demonstrates their power to retaliate and even needle Israel to pursue their aims. These have also been used by Hamas to provoke Israel into indiscriminate retaliatory action and enmesh it in a humanitarian trap like they have done in the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

Iran’s rockets and missile power were on display in its recent demonstrative strike on Israel. The strategic message in that strike is that sheer numbers and volumes can overwhelm air defences. Iran also proliferates rockets &amp; missiles to most of the non-state actors in West Asia. This enables Iran to project power and gain recognition of being an important player in the region. Iran is a case study in power projection far beyond borders without a strong navy or Air Force. Iran has offset this deficiency with its missile arsenal. Incidentally, this tactic is being used by China against the USA in the Western Pacific and against India in the Himalayas.&nbsp;

<h2>The Rise of Rockets and Missiles</h2>

Rockets and missiles are the choice tools of power, coercion and terror for the state as well as non-state actors. Their enhanced ranges outpace conventional artillery or aircraft. When combined with drones, they expand and threaten every corner of the battlefield. They have heralded a new vista of non-contact warfare with positive escalatory controls. They are also cheaper and far less complicated than air forces to acquire and maintain. They are flexible in employment and light on training and infrastructure requirement. The array of rockets and missiles is vast and can be produced through crude methods as also sophisticated processes as per capability and requirement. Rockets and missiles can be used as weapons of terror and mass destruction interchangeably. Their visual impact is high with enhanced propaganda value. They are capable of precision over longer ranges, unlike guns. Their survivability against air defences is far higher than aircraft. Very importantly they can be employed in conventional and nuclear roles. Technology gives better options in producing and employing rockets and missiles en masse. Modern missiles with higher speeds, range, navigation, advanced materials, and endurance can be developed at speed through dual-use space technologies. The evolution of hypersonic missiles is a new chapter on the horizon. The use of rockets and missiles combined with drones and satellite systems backed by AI-driven command and control systems is deadly and set to grow in modern warfare.

<h2>The Indian Scene</h2>

While there is some clamour for a Rocket Force in India, we need to see it in perspective. India has the technology and wherewithal to produce any kind of rocket or missile. It has a reasonable inventory and adequate capability to accelerate production. What it lacks is the vision to put it all together. A major part of the inability is a lack of Recce Strike Integration thinking. Integration of surveillance and long-range firepower through a dedicated command and control system is sorely lacking. More importantly, a national strategy is lacking. ISRO and DRDO don’t exactly see eye to eye. Each Service has its own philosophy at variance with the other. The Army myopia reduced the number of rocket regiments in its long-term plans! As the ranges of engagement have increased, &nbsp;the Indian Artillery, which incidentally is the most modern Arm of the Army, has been stripped of integral deep surveillance and targeting capability! Believe it or not! Over time, long-range and aerial observation capability birthed in Artillery has been bifurcated from it by our ‘Dritharashtric’ planners. While the rest of the world is integrating firepower, surveillance and observation through repurposed apps in battle, we have systematically disintegrated our structure! &nbsp;No. We do not need a rocket force. We need integrated thinking and jointness. We sorely lack that at almost every level. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft.

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft. Their widespread employment in conjunction with traditional artillery and aircraft is the new battlefield paradigm. The global inventory of rockets and missiles has expanded geometrically. Firepower has changed drastically as rockets and missiles have been employed as geopolitical tools of coercion, as conventional weapons in battle and as a tool of power by non-state actors. The Geopolitical Tools of Coercion North Korea pioneered provocative testing cum demonstrative firings of missiles and rockets as geopolitical tools of coercion since the late 70s. Initially, North Korean missiles had 50% failures. Current failure rates are only around 15%. As missile reliability improved, the North Korean threat has increased. In 2024, North Korea tested a cruise missile and IRBMs with hypersonic glide capability thrice. It keeps threatening the United States, South Korea and Japan through such firings. North Korea keeps firing a mix of unguided rockets, guided missiles and cruise missiles to keep the Eastern Pacific destabilised. It also conveys nuclear ambiguity through missile testing. It even fires conventional rockets mixed with tube artillery near inhabited areas to explicitly threaten and coerce South Korea. China has a vast array of modern missiles and rockets. The PLARF is the largest ground-based missile force on earth. China regularly carries out large-scale rocket and missile firing demonstratively along with naval and air exercises to threaten and coerce Taiwan. The larger message is to demonstrate China’s resolve and capability to annex Taiwan, fight and win wars and project power globally. China uses the PLARF to convey its credibility and capabilities of nuclear deterrence and counterattack, strengthen intermediate and long-range precision strike forces, and enhance strategic counter-balance capability. It is a potent threat to China’s neighbours and adversaries. It also gives the PLA the ability to influence local, regional, and global military conflicts. In simple terms, it is geopolitical coercion on a global scale. Rockets and Missiles in Conventional Battles The Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict indicated how conventional wars will be fought using rockets, missiles, drones, and artillery. While its highlight was the extensive use of drones to complement conventional artillery, it also featured the heavy use of missiles and rocket artillery. This aspect has largely gone unnoticed. Both sides deployed and employed a range of rockets and missiles. These were a combination of legacy systems of the USSR era as also modern systems procured from different sources individually. Azerbaijan invested more into its rocket and missile arsenal to include guided rockets and MLRS systems to engage targets up to 200 km in depth. The balance tipped in Azerbaijan’s favour due to better drones and rocket artillery and a willingness to use them in an innovative and integrated manner. The violence of firepower and its centrality in battle is reinforced in the Ukraine war. Employment of guns, rockets and missiles – guided, cruise and hypersonic has been unrestricted, imaginative and extensive. Major lessons have been drawn. Terrain, ground or weather might deter, inhibit or preclude the employment of Air, Infantry and Armour but nothing deters long-range Artillery. It overcomes terrain friction by striking deep. Despite static front lines, the daily situation changes due to orchestrated firepower strikes across the battlefield. Long-range vectors generate strategic as well as battlefield manoeuvre. They have been used to achieve political aims by deliberate firing on specified targets. Russia has postured with nuclear warheads and fired conventional warheads to achieve deterrence. It has done so through extensive use of air, hypersonic/cruise/guided missiles, rockets, and guns to deter NATO from getting directly involved. Ukraine uses rockets and cruise missiles imaginatively to deliver crucial blows to Russia. It has sunk a large part of the Russian Navy. Rockets and missiles have been used innovatively in executing ‘firepower ambushes’, undertaking ‘track and kill’ operations and carrying out ‘spoiling attacks’. A major factor which has emerged is that rockets and missiles used in conjunction with drones and a good command and control system dominate conventional battlefields. The Non-State Tool of Power The Houthi movement to grab power in Yemen is decades old. When the Saudis intervened, Iran stepped in. It provided the Houthis with a liberal supply of rockets and missiles. Once Saudi Arabia and Iran got involved, the Yemen civil war acquired local, regional and international flavours. “The Missile War in Yemen” marks the rise in the use of rockets and ballistic missiles by nonstate actors/proxies. Houthis have fired innumerable rockets and missiles locally at Yemen’s Government and Saudi bases, population centres, and infrastructure to trigger a humanitarian crisis. Regionally, Houthis have used a combination of cruise missiles, unguided rockets, ballistic missiles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Saudi Arabia. The most spectacular being the 2019 ARAMCO attacks of Abqaiq and Khurais oil refineries. The Houthi SAMs have downed many Saudi coalition force aircraft. Their rocket and missile arsenal has secured a power-sharing agreement in Yemen. The Houthis are exercising ‘sea denial’ from land by firing drones and anti-ship cruise missiles against international shipping, oil tankers and U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea. The Houthi arsenal of long-range missiles and drones has complicated the prospect of restoring peace and stability in West Asia or normalising international trade. The Iran-backed Hezbollah is the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor, described as ‘a militia trained like an army and equipped like a state’. Its rocket and missile arsenal is arrayed against Israel. Hezbollah’s missile inventory is mostly unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets which lack precision or lethality. However, sheer numbers and volume make them potent weapons of terror. From the 2006 Lebanon war to now, they have expanded from 15,000 rockets and missiles to about 130,000-150,000. Hezbollah uses them as tools of terror and deterrence. Hezbollah’s ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics make detection, suppression and retaliation extremely difficult. It negates Israeli airpower. Hence, Hezbollah and Israeli troops are on equal footing in battle. It gives an advantage to Hezbollah which fights from behind a civilian façade like all non-state actors. Hezbollah and Houthi forces are collaborating to develop and employ rockets and missiles against Israel. Hezbollah is pushing to acquire longer-range precision-guided munitions. It has some rockets and missiles with a range of up to even 250 km. This is feasible due to the proliferation of missile technology by Iran. Hamas was estimated to possess around 6000 rockets in a mix of short (15-20 km), medium ( 45 km) and long (100-200 km) range rockets. Hamas has adapted ideas from the Houthis and Hezbollah with Iranian assistance. Hamas specialises in making crude rockets using water pipes and filling them with any available explosive. Though erratic, they strike terror and make defiant political statements. Hamas uses civilian infrastructure and tunnels to camouflage and store these weapons. Hamas used to fire rockets into Israel from civilian areas of the Gaza Strip. It demonstrates their power to retaliate and even needle Israel to pursue their aims. These have also been used by Hamas to provoke Israel into indiscriminate retaliatory action and enmesh it in a humanitarian trap like they have done in the ongoing conflict. Iran’s rockets and missile power were on display in its recent demonstrative strike on Israel. The strategic message in that strike is that sheer numbers and volumes can overwhelm air defences. Iran also proliferates rockets & missiles to most of the non-state actors in West Asia. This enables Iran to project power and gain recognition of being an important player in the region. Iran is a case study in power projection far beyond borders without a strong navy or Air Force. Iran has offset this deficiency with its missile arsenal. Incidentally, this tactic is being used by China against the USA in the Western Pacific and against India in the Himalayas. The Rise of Rockets and Missiles Rockets and missiles are the choice tools of power, coercion and terror for the state as well as non-state actors. Their enhanced ranges outpace conventional artillery or aircraft. When combined with drones, they expand and threaten every corner of the battlefield. They have heralded a new vista of non-contact warfare with positive escalatory controls. They are also cheaper and far less complicated than air forces to acquire and maintain. They are flexible in employment and light on training and infrastructure requirement. The array of rockets and missiles is vast and can be produced through crude methods as also sophisticated processes as per capability and requirement. Rockets and missiles can be used as weapons of terror and mass destruction interchangeably. Their visual impact is high with enhanced propaganda value. They are capable of precision over longer ranges, unlike guns. Their survivability against air defences is far higher than aircraft. Very importantly they can be employed in conventional and nuclear roles. Technology gives better options in producing and employing rockets and missiles en masse. Modern missiles with higher speeds, range, navigation, advanced materials, and endurance can be developed at speed through dual-use space technologies. The evolution of hypersonic missiles is a new chapter on the horizon. The use of rockets and missiles combined with drones and satellite systems backed by AI-driven command and control systems is deadly and set to grow in modern warfare. The Indian Scene While there is some clamour for a Rocket Force in India, we need to see it in perspective. India has the technology and wherewithal to produce any kind of rocket or missile. It has a reasonable inventory and adequate capability to accelerate production. What it lacks is the vision to put it all together. A major part of the inability is a lack of Recce Strike Integration thinking. Integration of surveillance and long-range firepower through a dedicated command and control system is sorely lacking. More importantly, a national strategy is lacking. ISRO and DRDO don’t exactly see eye to eye. Each Service has its own philosophy at variance with the other. The Army myopia reduced the number of rocket regiments in its long-term plans! As the ranges of engagement have increased, the Indian Artillery, which incidentally is the most modern Arm of the Army, has been stripped of integral deep surveillance and targeting capability! Believe it or not! Over time, long-range and aerial observation capability birthed in Artillery has been bifurcated from it by our ‘Dritharashtric’ planners. While the rest of the world is integrating firepower, surveillance and observation through repurposed apps in battle, we have systematically disintegrated our structure! No. We do not need a rocket force. We need integrated thinking and jointness. We sorely lack that at almost every level. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Rise of rockets and missiles in conflicts

The South Korean military officials stated that North Korea fired a suspected intermediate range ballistic missile. Watch in for more details!

North Korea launches baliistic missile after US-South Korea drills

The United States announced new sanctions. This time sanctions are announced over North Korea-Russia arms transfers. Two Russian individuals and three Russian companies are sanctioned. Reportedly, these companies were facilitating arms transfers between Russia and North Korea.

US announces new sanctions over North Korea-Russia arms transfers

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea.&nbsp;

This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia.

This is the latest in a spate of similar incidents where Pyongyang has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months which the country claims is their drive aimed at upgrading the defence system.

Earlier, South Korea and the United States alleged that Pyongyang was supplying arms to Russia, which they stated would be in violation of several UN sanctions that were imposed on both countries.

Seoul's army on Friday said that it had detected the launch of what it termed as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into waters off North Korea's coast from the country's eastern Wonsan area.

The missiles reportedly travelled a distance of around 300 kilometres (186 miles), said the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He added that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches".

The launches also come just hours after Kim Jong Un's influential sister Kim Yo Jong denounced the US and South Korea over their repeated accusations, claiming that the nuclear-armed Pyongyang was sending its weapons to Russia for use in its offensive against Ukraine.

She alleged that Seoul and Washington were "misleading the public opinion" with their claims.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-issues-alert-after-north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-towards-east-sea-713775">Also read: Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea</a>

<h2>Kim inspects arms factories as Pyongyang denounces ‘monitoring activities’ by US</h2>

Earlier this week, Kim was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories after Pyongyang denounced what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies.

Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality.

He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports.

The North Korean leader on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises.

"The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army.

This came after North Korea's foreign ministry condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretence of monitoring the UN sanctions violations.&nbsp;

"The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea. This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia.

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea. This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia. This is the latest in a spate of similar incidents where Pyongyang has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months which the country claims is their drive aimed at upgrading the defence system. Earlier, South Korea and the United States alleged that Pyongyang was supplying arms to Russia, which they stated would be in violation of several UN sanctions that were imposed on both countries. Seoul's army on Friday said that it had detected the launch of what it termed as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into waters off North Korea's coast from the country's eastern Wonsan area. The missiles reportedly travelled a distance of around 300 kilometres (186 miles), said the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He added that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches". The launches also come just hours after Kim Jong Un's influential sister Kim Yo Jong denounced the US and South Korea over their repeated accusations, claiming that the nuclear-armed Pyongyang was sending its weapons to Russia for use in its offensive against Ukraine. She alleged that Seoul and Washington were "misleading the public opinion" with their claims. Also read: Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea Kim inspects arms factories as Pyongyang denounces ‘monitoring activities’ by US Earlier this week, Kim was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories after Pyongyang denounced what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies. Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality. He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports. The North Korean leader on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises. "The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army. This came after North Korea's foreign ministry condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretence of monitoring the UN sanctions violations. "The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on the US and South Korea have accused North Korea of sending weapons to Russia, a claim that Kim Jong-un's sister has vehemently denied.

North Korea dismisses rumour of arms export to Russia

North Korea fired multiple suspected short-range ballistic missiles Friday, Seoul said, hours after leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister denied widespread allegations that Pyongyang is shipping weapons to Russia.

The launches are the latest in a string of ever more sophisticated tests by North Korea, which has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months, in what the nuclear-armed country says is a drive to upgrade its defences.

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Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of sending arms to Russia, which would violate rafts of UN sanctions on both countries, with experts saying the recent spate of testing may be of weapons destined for use on battlefields in Ukraine.

Seoul's military said Friday it had detected the launch of what it described as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" from North Korea's eastern Wonsan area into waters off its coast.

The missiles travelled around 300 kilometres (186 miles), the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches" and was sharing information with allies Washington and Tokyo.

The launches came just hours after Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong accused Seoul and Washington of "misleading the public opinion" on the issue with their repeated accusations that Pyongyang is sending weapons to Moscow for use in Ukraine.

They also come as Russian leader Vladimir Putin was in China on Friday, the final day of a visit aiming to promote crucial trade with Beijing -- North Korea's most important ally -- and win greater support for his war effort in Ukraine.

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The tests also came a day after advanced South Korean and US stealth fighters, including Washington's F-22 Raptors, staged joint air combat drills.

Such exercises typically infuriate Pyongyang, which views them as rehearsals for invasion.

- 'Warning message' - 
The North has appeared especially sensitive to air drills in the past, with experts noting its air force is the weakest link in its military.

"It appears that this is a counter-military demonstration in response to recent South Korea-US air exercises," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

"It also appears to contain a warning message regarding the large-scale South Korea-US joint exercises scheduled for August," Yang said.

Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang declaring South Korea its "principal enemy". &nbsp;

It has jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.

The Friday launches are the latest since the North fired a volley of what Seoul said were short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on April 22.

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North Korea is barred by rafts of United Nations sanctions from any tests using ballistic technology, but its key ally Russia used its UN Security Council veto in March to effectively end UN monitoring of violations, for which Pyongyang has specifically thanked Moscow.

Kim Jong Un inspected a new tactical missile weapons system on Tuesday and called for an "epochal change" in war preparations by achieving arsenal production targets.

- 'Likely a hypersonic missile' - 
The unusual wording of the South Korean military's statement implies the Friday test was "likely a hypersonic missile", said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.

"Hypersonic missiles are not yet stabilised weapons in North Korea," he told AFP, adding this tallied with the launch site in coastal Wonsan.

Despite the short flight trajectory, the launch could have been of "mid-range or longer-class missiles that were fired with an adjusted range for experimental purposes", Hong said.

"There is practically no weapon other than a hypersonic missile that can be described as both ballistic and a 'flying object'," he said.

The military typically describes missiles as "projectiles".

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North Korea has long sought to master more advanced hypersonic and solid-fuel technologies, to make its missiles more capable of neutralising South Korean-US missile defence systems and threaten the United States' regional military bases.&nbsp;

Hypersonic missiles are faster and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept, while solid-fuel missiles do not need to be fuelled before launch, making them harder to find and destroy, as well as quicker to use.

North Korea fired multiple suspected short-range ballistic missiles Friday, Seoul said, hours after leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister denied widespread allegations that Pyongyang is shipping weapons to Russia.

North Korea fired multiple suspected short-range ballistic missiles Friday, Seoul said, hours after leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister denied widespread allegations that Pyongyang is shipping weapons to Russia. The launches are the latest in a string of ever more sophisticated tests by North Korea, which has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months, in what the nuclear-armed country says is a drive to upgrade its defences. Also read: US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of sending arms to Russia, which would violate rafts of UN sanctions on both countries, with experts saying the recent spate of testing may be of weapons destined for use on battlefields in Ukraine. Seoul's military said Friday it had detected the launch of what it described as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" from North Korea's eastern Wonsan area into waters off its coast. The missiles travelled around 300 kilometres (186 miles), the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches" and was sharing information with allies Washington and Tokyo. The launches came just hours after Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong accused Seoul and Washington of "misleading the public opinion" on the issue with their repeated accusations that Pyongyang is sending weapons to Moscow for use in Ukraine. They also come as Russian leader Vladimir Putin was in China on Friday, the final day of a visit aiming to promote crucial trade with Beijing -- North Korea's most important ally -- and win greater support for his war effort in Ukraine. Also read: Ukrainian overnight drone attack claims lives of mother and child The tests also came a day after advanced South Korean and US stealth fighters, including Washington's F-22 Raptors, staged joint air combat drills. Such exercises typically infuriate Pyongyang, which views them as rehearsals for invasion. - 'Warning message' - The North has appeared especially sensitive to air drills in the past, with experts noting its air force is the weakest link in its military. "It appears that this is a counter-military demonstration in response to recent South Korea-US air exercises," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. "It also appears to contain a warning message regarding the large-scale South Korea-US joint exercises scheduled for August," Yang said. Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang declaring South Korea its "principal enemy". It has jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement. The Friday launches are the latest since the North fired a volley of what Seoul said were short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on April 22. Also read: Police kill man trying to burn down synagogue in France North Korea is barred by rafts of United Nations sanctions from any tests using ballistic technology, but its key ally Russia used its UN Security Council veto in March to effectively end UN monitoring of violations, for which Pyongyang has specifically thanked Moscow. Kim Jong Un inspected a new tactical missile weapons system on Tuesday and called for an "epochal change" in war preparations by achieving arsenal production targets. - 'Likely a hypersonic missile' - The unusual wording of the South Korean military's statement implies the Friday test was "likely a hypersonic missile", said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul. "Hypersonic missiles are not yet stabilised weapons in North Korea," he told AFP, adding this tallied with the launch site in coastal Wonsan. Despite the short flight trajectory, the launch could have been of "mid-range or longer-class missiles that were fired with an adjusted range for experimental purposes", Hong said. "There is practically no weapon other than a hypersonic missile that can be described as both ballistic and a 'flying object'," he said. The military typically describes missiles as "projectiles". Also read: Torrential rains kill 4 in Houston, over 900,000 without power North Korea has long sought to master more advanced hypersonic and solid-fuel technologies, to make its missiles more capable of neutralising South Korean-US missile defence systems and threaten the United States' regional military bases. Hypersonic missiles are faster and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept, while solid-fuel missiles do not need to be fuelled before launch, making them harder to find and destroy, as well as quicker to use.

N. Korea fires ballistic missiles after denying Russia arms transfers

North Korea funnelled $147.5 million through the cryptocurrency mixer platform Tornado Cash in March, according to a confidential report by United Nations sanctions monitors reviewed by Reuters. <o:p></o:p>

This illicit activity follows a hack on the HTX cryptocurrency exchange late last year, marking a major case in a broader pattern of North Korean cyber thefts targeting digital currency platforms.<o:p></o:p>

The UN monitors reported to the Security Council sanctions committee that they have been investigating 97 suspected North Korean cyberattacks on cryptocurrency firms from 2017 to 2024, with total stolen funds amounting to approximately $3.6 billion. <o:p></o:p>

The $147.5 million laundered in March was linked directly to the HTX exchange breach, based on data from crypto analytics firm PeckShield and blockchain research firm Elliptic.<o:p></o:p>

In 2024 alone, the monitors have scrutinised 11 cryptocurrency thefts valued at $54.7 million, noting that many of these attacks might have been inadvertently facilitated by small crypto-related companies hiring North Korean IT workers. <o:p></o:p>

These workers, operating abroad, reportedly generate substantial income for the isolated nation, which continues to face severe international sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programs.<o:p></o:p>

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been under UN sanctions since 2006. <o:p></o:p>

Despite these measures, the country has continued to find ways to finance its prohibited activities, including through cybercrime and the use of virtual currency mixers like Tornado Cash. <o:p></o:p>

The US sanctioned Tornado Cash in 2022 for allegedly supporting North Korean money laundering activities.<o:p></o:p>

In 2023, two of its co-founders were charged with facilitating over $1 billion in illicit transactions, including for a North Korean cybercrime group.<o:p></o:p>

Virtual currency mixers like Tornado Cash function by blending cryptocurrencies from various users, obscuring the origin and ownership of the funds. <o:p></o:p>

This makes them attractive tools for laundering stolen cryptocurrency. <o:p></o:p>

Lawyers for Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, who pleaded not guilty to US charges in September, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.<o:p></o:p>

The UN sanctions monitors faced a setback when their mandate expired at the end of April due to a Russian veto against its renewal. <o:p></o:p>

Despite this, some monitors submitted incomplete work, including the findings on North Korea’s cryptocurrency activities, to the Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to cyber theft, the UN monitors have been investigating reports of Russia releasing $9 million of North Korea's frozen assets and allowing Pyongyang to open an account at a Russian bank in South Ossetia. <o:p></o:p>

This arrangement is reportedly aimed to enhance North Korea’s access to international banking networks.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, the monitors observed continued maritime activities suggesting ongoing arms trade between North Korea and Russia. <o:p></o:p>

Ships suspected of carrying weapons have been seen travelling between North Korea’s Rajin port and Russian ports like Vladivostok and Vostochny. <o:p></o:p>

China has also been implicated, with a North Korean vessel reportedly undergoing maintenance at China’s Ningbo port.<o:p></o:p>

The US and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a charge both Moscow and Pyongyang deny. <o:p></o:p>

However, both nations have committed to deepening their military cooperation.<o:p></o:p>

In an additional report last month, UN monitors confirmed that debris from a missile that landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in January was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. <o:p></o:p>

This highlights North Korea’s ongoing missile development and potential involvement in global conflicts.<o:p></o:p>

North Korea’s evasion of UN sanctions continues to be a significant issue. <o:p></o:p>

The monitors documented 208 voyages by North Korean cargo ships suspected of offloading coal in Chinese waters, often through ship-to-ship transfers. <o:p></o:p>

Chinese Coast Guard vessels were observed in proximity to these transfers, raising questions about enforcement and compliance with international sanctions.<o:p></o:p>

The Chinese mission to the UN did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these findings. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

North Korea funnelled $147.5 million through the cryptocurrency mixer platform Tornado Cash in March, according to a confidential report by United Nations sanctions monitors reviewed by Reuters.

North Korea funnelled $147.5 million through the cryptocurrency mixer platform Tornado Cash in March, according to a confidential report by United Nations sanctions monitors reviewed by Reuters. This illicit activity follows a hack on the HTX cryptocurrency exchange late last year, marking a major case in a broader pattern of North Korean cyber thefts targeting digital currency platforms. The UN monitors reported to the Security Council sanctions committee that they have been investigating 97 suspected North Korean cyberattacks on cryptocurrency firms from 2017 to 2024, with total stolen funds amounting to approximately $3.6 billion. The $147.5 million laundered in March was linked directly to the HTX exchange breach, based on data from crypto analytics firm PeckShield and blockchain research firm Elliptic. In 2024 alone, the monitors have scrutinised 11 cryptocurrency thefts valued at $54.7 million, noting that many of these attacks might have been inadvertently facilitated by small crypto-related companies hiring North Korean IT workers. These workers, operating abroad, reportedly generate substantial income for the isolated nation, which continues to face severe international sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programs. North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been under UN sanctions since 2006. Despite these measures, the country has continued to find ways to finance its prohibited activities, including through cybercrime and the use of virtual currency mixers like Tornado Cash. The US sanctioned Tornado Cash in 2022 for allegedly supporting North Korean money laundering activities. In 2023, two of its co-founders were charged with facilitating over $1 billion in illicit transactions, including for a North Korean cybercrime group. Virtual currency mixers like Tornado Cash function by blending cryptocurrencies from various users, obscuring the origin and ownership of the funds. This makes them attractive tools for laundering stolen cryptocurrency. Lawyers for Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, who pleaded not guilty to US charges in September, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The UN sanctions monitors faced a setback when their mandate expired at the end of April due to a Russian veto against its renewal. Despite this, some monitors submitted incomplete work, including the findings on North Korea’s cryptocurrency activities, to the Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee. In addition to cyber theft, the UN monitors have been investigating reports of Russia releasing $9 million of North Korea's frozen assets and allowing Pyongyang to open an account at a Russian bank in South Ossetia. This arrangement is reportedly aimed to enhance North Korea’s access to international banking networks. Furthermore, the monitors observed continued maritime activities suggesting ongoing arms trade between North Korea and Russia. Ships suspected of carrying weapons have been seen travelling between North Korea’s Rajin port and Russian ports like Vladivostok and Vostochny. China has also been implicated, with a North Korean vessel reportedly undergoing maintenance at China’s Ningbo port. The US and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a charge both Moscow and Pyongyang deny. However, both nations have committed to deepening their military cooperation. In an additional report last month, UN monitors confirmed that debris from a missile that landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in January was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. This highlights North Korea’s ongoing missile development and potential involvement in global conflicts. North Korea’s evasion of UN sanctions continues to be a significant issue. The monitors documented 208 voyages by North Korean cargo ships suspected of offloading coal in Chinese waters, often through ship-to-ship transfers. Chinese Coast Guard vessels were observed in proximity to these transfers, raising questions about enforcement and compliance with international sanctions. The Chinese mission to the UN did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these findings. (With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea launders $147.5 million in stolen cryptocurrency, UN experts reveal

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday oversaw a tactical missile weapons system that will be newly installed at missile units of its army. Watch in for more details!

North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system

North Korea demonstrates war readiness against South Korea, US

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system

North Korea laundered $147.5 million through virtual currency platform Tornado Cash in March after stealing it last year from a cryptocurrency exchange, according to United Nations report. Watch in for more details!

North Korea stole $147.5 mn from HTX Crypto exchange in 2023, says UN

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories as the country's foreign ministry criticised what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies, said the state media reports on Monday (May 13).

Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality.

He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports.

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<h2>Kim attends live test-firing of controllable shells for rocket launchers&nbsp;</h2>

Kim on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises.

"The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army.

This comes as the state's foreign ministry released a statement and condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretense of monitoring the UN sanctions violations.&nbsp;

The ministry also called out countries including the UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia and said that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

"The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories as the country's foreign ministry criticised what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies, said the state media reports on Monday (May 13).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories as the country's foreign ministry criticised what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies, said the state media reports on Monday (May 13). Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality. He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports. Also read: US and China ratchet up AI arms race amid growing strategic concerns Kim attends live test-firing of controllable shells for rocket launchers Kim on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises. "The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army. This comes as the state's foreign ministry released a statement and condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretense of monitoring the UN sanctions violations. The ministry also called out countries including the UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia and said that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security. "The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Kim inspects arms factories as Pyongyang denounces ‘monitoring activities’ by US

The United States and South Korea conducted joint military drills this year. North Korea is also now stepping up its ammunition game. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the country's artillery weapon systems and attended the test firing of such weapons.

North Korea tests its multiple rocket systems

North Korea: Pyongyang's new artillery weapons system inspected by Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong Un, the head of North Korea's ruling dynasty, was seen kneeling at the funeral bier of the country's former propaganda chief.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim Ki Nam passed away on Tuesday due to old age and "multiple organ dysfunction" after receiving medical care in a hospital since 2022.&nbsp;

Kim Ki Nam, 94, is often credited with masterminding the personality cult surrounding the ruling Kim dynasty.

Kim Jong Un visited the funeral hall early Wednesday morning and paid a quiet homage. He looked around the bier with "bitter grief over the loss of a veteran revolutionary who had remained boundlessly loyal" to the government, according to the KCNA.

According to KCNA, a wreath was "laid before the bier of the deceased" in Kim Jong Un's name.

Most notably, Kim Ki Nam oversaw North Korea's main propaganda department. According to the North, in the 1970s, he ran Pyongyang's official mouthpiece, the Rodong Sinmun newspaper.

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Pyongyang's official media on Wednesday referred to him as "a veteran of our Party and the revolution, a prestigious theoretician and a prominent political activist." He is credited with creating the cult of the Kim family dynasty.

Leader Kim was shown wearing a dark suit and paying his respects to senior military and party officials in front of what seemed like a flower-decorated coffin, in a picture shared by the Rodong Sinmun.

In another photo, people dressed in military uniforms were seen playing musical instruments, including saxophones, while Kim was shown bowing in front of the bier.

For over three generations, North Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty, which was founded by Kim Il Sung, Pyongyang's founding leader, with an extensive personality cult.

The family is known as the "Paektu bloodline" in the North, after the highest mountain in the nation and the alleged birthplace of the late leader Kim Jong Il. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un, the head of North Korea's ruling dynasty, was seen kneeling at the funeral bier of the country's former propaganda chief. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim Ki Nam passed away on Tuesday due to old age and "multiple organ dysfunction" after receiving medical care in a hospital since 2022.

Kim Jong Un, the head of North Korea's ruling dynasty, was seen kneeling at the funeral bier of the country's former propaganda chief. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim Ki Nam passed away on Tuesday due to old age and "multiple organ dysfunction" after receiving medical care in a hospital since 2022. Kim Ki Nam, 94, is often credited with masterminding the personality cult surrounding the ruling Kim dynasty. Kim Jong Un visited the funeral hall early Wednesday morning and paid a quiet homage. He looked around the bier with "bitter grief over the loss of a veteran revolutionary who had remained boundlessly loyal" to the government, according to the KCNA. According to KCNA, a wreath was "laid before the bier of the deceased" in Kim Jong Un's name. Most notably, Kim Ki Nam oversaw North Korea's main propaganda department. According to the North, in the 1970s, he ran Pyongyang's official mouthpiece, the Rodong Sinmun newspaper. Also read: Kim Jong Un demolishes his winter palace in North Korea in an unprecedented move. Here's why Pyongyang's official media on Wednesday referred to him as "a veteran of our Party and the revolution, a prestigious theoretician and a prominent political activist." He is credited with creating the cult of the Kim family dynasty. Leader Kim was shown wearing a dark suit and paying his respects to senior military and party officials in front of what seemed like a flower-decorated coffin, in a picture shared by the Rodong Sinmun. In another photo, people dressed in military uniforms were seen playing musical instruments, including saxophones, while Kim was shown bowing in front of the bier. For over three generations, North Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty, which was founded by Kim Il Sung, Pyongyang's founding leader, with an extensive personality cult. The family is known as the "Paektu bloodline" in the North, after the highest mountain in the nation and the alleged birthplace of the late leader Kim Jong Il. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un bows in front of former propaganda chief’s funeral bier with ‘bitter grief’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in an 'unusual' move, demolished several structures inside his winter palace estate, one of his most luxurious residences, as per new satellite images.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in an 'unusual' move, demolished several structures inside his winter palace estate, one of his most luxurious residences, as per new satellite images. "The latest satellite images show that Kim Jong Un's Ryokpo Palace residence is being removed or remodelled," posted an account @NobodyGerman on X, which was the first to flag the demolition. This step might be a sign of the expansion of military operations in Pyongyang, according to the experts. Also Read: Kim Jong-Un picks 25 virgins annually for his 'pleasure squad,' claims report Ryokpo Palace is located on the outskirts of Pyongyang and is the winter palace complex of Kim Jong Un. It brings back the spotlight on the opulent lifestyle of the leader in contrast to the poor conditions in which the majority of North Koreans live. Clearance of the Ryokpo Palace Residence? The latest satellite images show that Kim Jong Un's Ryokpo Palace Residence is being removed or remodelled. The Removal began around 29th April.@JacobBogle @ColinZwirko pic.twitter.com/crvlz9S7EC — nobody (@NobodyGerman) May 4, 2024 × In the aerial photos of the Ryokpo Palace complex, a dirt lot is seen where the blue-roofed mansion once stood, according to the analyst NobodyGerman. Expansion of military operations in North Korea? As per the experts, the recent demolitions hint at possible transformations in North Korea, which include potential transfers of property for military use. As per a report published by North Korea-focused analyst group NK Pro, the complex's "main residential buildings and auxiliary structures" were likely demolished between April 21 and 25. The demolition work hints that North Korea will put the sprawling palatial complex under military control, said the report, emphasising that this can be a part of recent efforts being made by the North Korean leader to modernise his armed forces. The experts were cited in the report as stating that the move could be related to Kim's designs of assigning an expanded role to the military in national development or consolidating military facilities. Watch: Unusual terror alert for South Korea's embassies The demolition of the winter palace took place after Kim's regime changed the country's constitution to label South Korea as the "principal enemy" and organisations that had been given the task of promoting inter-Korean cooperation or pro-unification rhetoric were dismantled. To remove any references to the reunification range, Kim Jong Un also destroyed a 100-foot monument built by Kim's father Kim Jong Il and got rid of commemorative stamps. North Korea has been working towards developing its capable ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons programme at a steady speed in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un demolishes his winter palace in North Korea in an unprecedented move. Here's why

A propaganda song of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is a raging hit on TikTok. Titled Friendly Father, the song which was released in mid-April, has now become a hit with TikTok users worldwide. Watch in for more details!

Kim Jong Un’s propaganda song ‘Friendly Father’ goes viral on TikTok

South Korea's government has raised its terror alert level for five diplomatic missions warning that North Korea could attack South Korean diplomats in the OC's missions include Seoul's embassies in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

South Korea raises terror alert following North Korea threat

Unusual terror alert for South Korea's embassies

Sensational and even salacious stories about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Western media are nothing new. And now the British publication Daily Star is claiming that every year North Korea'S supreme leader chooses 25 virgin girls to join his "Pleasure Squad".

As per the report citing a North Korean defector, Yeonmi Park, these young girls are picked based on their attractiveness.&nbsp;

<h2>Scouting schoolgirls</h2>

Park, a 30-year-old who claims to have been scouted twice for the dubious honour of servicing Jong-un, said that to choose the virgins, the leader's 'cronies' visit "every classroom, and they even go to school yards in case they missed someone that was pretty".

"Once they find some pretty girls, the first thing they do is check into their family status—their political status. They eliminate any girls with family members that have escaped from North Korea, or have relatives in South Korea or other countries," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-717177">Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</a>

<h2>Virginity test</h2>

Park has previously said that the Kim dynasty are "paedophiles who expect to be worshipped as gods."

She claims that once the pretty girls are selected,&nbsp;they are made to go through a virginity test. This, the report claimed, is a detailed medical examination where "even the smallest defect" like a minor scar, leads to disqualification.

The "handful of girls from all around North Korea" who clear all the tests are then sent to Pyongyang where they join the so-called pleasure squad and their "only reason to exist is to please the dictator".

She further revealed that the 'Pleasure Squad' is divided into three:&nbsp;one part is trained in massages, and the second specialises in entertaining through song and dance. The third division is the "sexual activities division," and has to be "sexually intimate with the dictator, and other men," said Park.

"They have to learn how to please these men—that's their only goal," she said, adding that the most beautiful girls are reserved to attend to the North Korean supreme leader.

The less stunning squad members are made to cater to the needs of lower-ranking generals and politicians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-propose-wall-of-death-workout-to-keep-astronauts-fit-on-moon-717266">'Wall of Death' workout can keep astronauts fit on the Moon. Here's how it works</a>

<h2>Why do people allow this?</h2>

As per the North Korea defector, conditions in the nation are so grim that families happily allow their daughters to be recruited by the squad scouts because it would at least mean that the girls won't starve.

However, this is only true till the girls reach their mid-twenties. After that, they are married to Kim Jong-un's bodyguards, and this is considered a privilege.

<h2>How did this 'pleasure squad' start?</h2>

Apparently, this is not a Kim Jong-un thing. 'Pleasure Squads' have been around since the 1970s. Yeonmi Park claims that the previous leader Kim Jong Il believed that "having sexual intimacy with young teenage girls would give him immortality".

He devised the idea of these "Pleasure squads' in the 1970s when he would pick pretty girls and place them with his father Kim Il-sung, thinking "he might find that very pleasurable." This eventually helped him get the throne.

"So he picked beautiful women and put them in resorts that Kim Il-sung visited. Kim Il-sung was so touched that his son thought of his pleasure, and that's why he nominated Kim Jong Il as his successor," she claimed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bogota-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-israel-over-genocidal-gaza-campaign-israel-dubs-move-anti-semitic-717189">Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign; Israel dubs move 'antisemitic'</a>

Soon after, in 1983, he created a similar squad for himself, and the "tradition" was carried forward by the current leader, claimed the report.

However, she said that the make-up of the Pleasure Squads has changed over the years as the three men have different tastes in women. She also said that, if rumours are to be believed, Kim Jong-un's "wife was originally in the Pleasure Squad".

(With inputs from agencies)

Sensational and even salacious stories about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Western media are nothing new. And now the British publication Daily Star is claiming that every year North Korea'S supreme leader chooses 25 virgin girls to join his "Pleasure Squad".

Sensational and even salacious stories about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Western media are nothing new. And now the British publication Daily Star is claiming that every year North Korea'S supreme leader chooses 25 virgin girls to join his "Pleasure Squad". As per the report citing a North Korean defector, Yeonmi Park, these young girls are picked based on their attractiveness. Scouting schoolgirls Park, a 30-year-old who claims to have been scouted twice for the dubious honour of servicing Jong-un, said that to choose the virgins, the leader's 'cronies' visit "every classroom, and they even go to school yards in case they missed someone that was pretty". "Once they find some pretty girls, the first thing they do is check into their family status—their political status. They eliminate any girls with family members that have escaped from North Korea, or have relatives in South Korea or other countries," she added. Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace Virginity test Park has previously said that the Kim dynasty are "paedophiles who expect to be worshipped as gods." She claims that once the pretty girls are selected, they are made to go through a virginity test. This, the report claimed, is a detailed medical examination where "even the smallest defect" like a minor scar, leads to disqualification. The "handful of girls from all around North Korea" who clear all the tests are then sent to Pyongyang where they join the so-called pleasure squad and their "only reason to exist is to please the dictator". She further revealed that the 'Pleasure Squad' is divided into three: one part is trained in massages, and the second specialises in entertaining through song and dance. The third division is the "sexual activities division," and has to be "sexually intimate with the dictator, and other men," said Park. "They have to learn how to please these men—that's their only goal," she said, adding that the most beautiful girls are reserved to attend to the North Korean supreme leader. The less stunning squad members are made to cater to the needs of lower-ranking generals and politicians. Also read | 'Wall of Death' workout can keep astronauts fit on the Moon. Here's how it works Why do people allow this? As per the North Korea defector, conditions in the nation are so grim that families happily allow their daughters to be recruited by the squad scouts because it would at least mean that the girls won't starve. However, this is only true till the girls reach their mid-twenties. After that, they are married to Kim Jong-un's bodyguards, and this is considered a privilege. How did this 'pleasure squad' start? Apparently, this is not a Kim Jong-un thing. 'Pleasure Squads' have been around since the 1970s. Yeonmi Park claims that the previous leader Kim Jong Il believed that "having sexual intimacy with young teenage girls would give him immortality". He devised the idea of these "Pleasure squads' in the 1970s when he would pick pretty girls and place them with his father Kim Il-sung, thinking "he might find that very pleasurable." This eventually helped him get the throne. "So he picked beautiful women and put them in resorts that Kim Il-sung visited. Kim Il-sung was so touched that his son thought of his pleasure, and that's why he nominated Kim Jong Il as his successor," she claimed. Also read | Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign; Israel dubs move 'antisemitic' Soon after, in 1983, he created a similar squad for himself, and the "tradition" was carried forward by the current leader, claimed the report. However, she said that the make-up of the Pleasure Squads has changed over the years as the three men have different tastes in women. She also said that, if rumours are to be believed, Kim Jong-un's "wife was originally in the Pleasure Squad". (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong-Un picks 25 virgins annually for his 'pleasure squad,' claims report

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Kim Jong Un demolishes his winter palace in North Korea in an unprecedented move. Here's why