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North Korea has announced its plans to launch another satellite, just three months after its first attempt failed. The launch is set to take place between August 24 and 31, violating UN sanctions prohibiting the North from tests using ballistic technology. Both Japan and South Korea have condemned the launch, with Tokyo mobilizing its defense system in case the satellite lands in their territory. Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has urged North Korea to call off the launch and warned that Japan is taking all possible measures to prepare for any unforeseen eventuality.

The United States and South Korea have echoed the condemnation, with the US State Department urging North Korea to refrain from further unlawful activity and engage in diplomacy. The launch plan comes shortly after leaders from the US, South Korea, and Japan met at Camp David to discuss North Korea’s growing nuclear threats.

Pyongyang’s new launch plan coincides with the beginning of the annual joint military drills between South Korea and the US. Known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, the exercises are aimed at countering threats from North Korea and will run through August 31. North Korea views these drills as rehearsals for an invasion and has repeatedly warned it would take “overwhelming” action in response.

North Korea’s state news agency has condemned the US-South Korea drills, warning that the possibility of a thermonuclear war on the Korean peninsula will become more realistic if the drills involve a “nuclear provocation.” South Korea’s spy agency has also warned that North Korea could launch a reconnaissance satellite ahead of the 75th anniversary of the country’s founding on September 9.

Experts believe that North Korea has been improving and supplementing technical aspects of the launch over the past three months. However, it remains to be seen whether the regime can successfully pull off the satellite launch this time. The previous satellite launch in May resulted in the rocket plunging into the sea, prompting a complex salvage operation by South Korea.

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