North Korea has fired a missile in the wake of their leader, Kim Jong-Il’s death.
Reportedly, North Korea launched at least one short-range missile test this week.
The test came Monday and officials reportedly said the test had taken place off the country’s east coast.
According to rt.com, it comes amid concerns that the death of Kim could destabilize the most militarized region in the world.
The launch seems to many, to have been a show of power from the place that houses the world’s fourth-largest army. If so, it sends out a startling message that extends Kim’s frequent threats of nuclear weapons.
Officials said the tests appeared to be planned several days ago and there were signs the North canceled some military exercises since Kim’s death, according to the New York Times.
At this time, much like in 1994 following Kim’s father’s death, South Korea put its military on high alert. Kim Jong Il succeeded him.
The White House released a statement hoping to avoid tensions that had been built up in the past.
“The president reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea,” the White House said in a statement. “The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination.”
The North Korean leader died early Saturday. He reportedly died of a heart attack, in Pyongyang while on a train—It follows a reported stroke in 2008.
He died at 69 years old.
His death was announced during a newscast on North Korean state media Sunday. The reporter said it was the biggest sadness for the people and nation.
Rumors are swirling on who the next leader of North Korea will be. Reports claim that his third son, Kim Jong Un will succeed him. Kim Jong Un has remained virtually unknown for many years but has come into the public eye recently.
The Associated Press reported that North Korean state media noted that he was a “Great successor” and that the people and the military “have pledged to uphold the leadership of comrade Kim Jong Un.”
