UN resolutions do indeed ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles – but the regime has apparently ignored this again. The IAEA sees signs of another nuclear test soon.

North Korea has re-fired a potentially nuclear-capable missile, according to the South Korean military. After launch, the rocket took off in an easterly seaward direction, the general staff said. So the missile was a ballistic missile. Initially, no further details were known.

UN resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles. Depending on the design, they can also carry nuclear weapons.

North Korea has been conducting missile tests at an unusually high frequency since late September. According to the government, it should also simulate the shelling of airfields with strategic nuclear weapons in South Korea.

Concerns over possible nuclear test

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are growing signs of an impending nuclear test by North Korea. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said: “We hope this will not happen, but unfortunately the signs are pointing in the opposite direction.”

The IAEA sees related preparedness in the autocracy. Because of this, everyone is holding their breath, Grossi said. A nuclear test would further confirm that the program is “moving full steam ahead in an incredibly worrying way” and that Pyongyang continues to refine its arsenal.