(HorizonPost.com) – The U.S. Air Force and Space Force jointly conducted a test missile launch this Wednesday amidst growing concerns about North Korea.
The U.S. test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) known as the Minuteman III from the Space Force Base at Vandenberg in California by the Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile was unarmed.
A Vandenberg Space Force Base statement mentioned, “The ICBM test launch initiative aims to confirm the safety, security, efficiency, and preparedness of the weapon system.”
Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, Col. Bryan Titus, remarked, “Our Airmen and Guardians responsible for this essential mission are among America’s Air Force’s most proficiently trained and committed individuals. These test launches underscore the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and establish trust in the nation’s nuclear deterrent’s potency and effectiveness.”
In a recent press briefing, Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, issued a strong caution to North Korea following rumors of a potential face-to-face meeting between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sullivan warned, “This won’t cast North Korea in a good light internationally, and there will be repercussions for them. We persistently urge North Korea not to provide weapons to Russia that could potentially harm Ukrainians.”
The National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, mentioned last week that arms talks between Russia and North Korea were “progressing.”
Putin is reportedly seeking artillery and antitank missiles from North Korea. In return, Kim wants advanced satellite technology and nuclear-powered submarines from Russia, as reported by The New York Times. Kim is also seeking food aid for his nation, which is facing food shortages.
When asked about these discussions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remained elusive, stating he “cannot” verify the talks and there’s “no comment.”
An expert believes the missile test was also intended to convey a message to Russia. A former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, Rebekah Koffler, told Fox News Digital, “This likely follows Russia’s recent activation of its nuclear Sarmat missile. By testing the Minuteman ICBM, the U.S. is signaling to Russia its readiness, should nuclear threats exist.”
Koffler noted, “While both the U.S. and Russia routinely test their nuclear capabilities, the current conflict in Ukraine, acting as a backdrop for a potential U.S.-Russia proxy war, raises the stakes and the risk of unintended escalation due to misreading intentions.”
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