THE United States has launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in a show of force hours after issuing North Korea a stern warning.
The test launch took place Wednesday from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, in a collaborated effort by the US Air Force and Space Force.
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“The purpose of the ICBM test launch is to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system,” Vandenberg Space Force said in a statement to Fox News.
“The Airmen and Guardians who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and dedicated personnel in America’s Air Force,” Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander Colonel Bryan Titus told the outlet.
“These test launches demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
The show of force comes after White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned North Korea it will “pay a price” if it strikes an arms deal with Russia.
“If Pyongyang provides weapons to Moscow to use in the war against Ukraine, it is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community,” Sullivan said during a press briefing on Tuesday.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby revealed last week that negotiations between the two nations were “actively advancing.”
Russia leader Vladimir Putin wants North Korea to supply his nation with artillery shells and antitank missiles, sources told The New York Times.
In exchange, Kim Jong Un wants the Russians to give North Korea advanced technology for satellites, nuclear-powered submarines, and food aid for the nation, according to The New York Times.
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