South Korean Intelligence Agency Doubts North Korea’s Ability to Supply 250 Missile Launchers
Seoul, August 26, 2024 – The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has expressed skepticism about North Korea’s ability to supply 250 missile launchers,as reported by media outlets. During a parliamentary intelligence committee meeting on Tuesday, the NIS stated that even if North Korea has deployed such a number of launchers, itis doubtful whether they have sufficient missile production capacity.
The NIS attributed its concerns to North Korea’s ongoing efforts to provide military aid to Russia, which has reportedly led to the mobilization of its missile and weapon production systems. This, accordingto the intelligence agency, could hinder North Korea’s ability to maintain a missile supply chain commensurate with the reported scale of its mobile launcher deployment.
In addition to the missile supply concerns, the NIS also provided insights into the potential impact ofa North Korean missile launch on South Korea. The agency estimated that a missile launched by North Korea could travel approximately 110 kilometers, potentially affecting the Chungcheong region of South Korea.
The NIS also shed light on the recent flood situation in North Korea, reporting that the damage in Chagang Province was particularlysevere. The agency noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the less affected North Pyongan Province instead of Chagang Province, potentially due to the concentration of military facilities in the latter, which could be exposed to external observation. The NIS also suggested that Kim’s decision might be influenced by concerns regarding regime managementand bolstering its credibility.
Furthermore, the NIS revealed that Russia has offered to provide flood relief aid to North Korea, an offer that Kim Jong-un has reportedly expressed gratitude for.
The NIS’s statements come amidst growing international concern over North Korea’s missile capabilities and its potential for regional instability. Therecent reports of a large-scale deployment of missile launchers, coupled with the intelligence agency’s doubts about North Korea’s ability to sustain such a force, have further heightened tensions in the region.
The NIS’s assessment highlights the complex challenges posed by North Korea’s military ambitions and its potential to disrupt regionalsecurity. The agency’s insights into North Korea’s internal dynamics and its response to external pressures provide valuable context for understanding the evolving security landscape on the Korean peninsula.
The NIS’s statements also underscore the importance of continued international cooperation and vigilance in addressing the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. As the situation on the Korean peninsula remains volatile, the international community must remain committed to working towards a peaceful resolution of the issues at hand.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240826002300881?section=politics/index&input=rss
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