January 1, Kim Fires New Missiles Before U.S. Summit

Wyatt’s Take

• North Korea test-fires advanced anti-air missiles.
• Kim Jong Un pushes for greater missile and nuclear power.
• Tensions flare ahead of the U.S.-South Korea summit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watched as two new air defense missiles were launched to test their combat abilities. State reports say the weapons use special technology to target things like drones and cruise missiles, and that the testing was a success.

After the launches, Kim told his team at the Academy of National Defense Science to get started on a vital mission, further supporting North Korea’s push for stronger missile and nuclear programs.

The tests happened just before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Talks are expected to center on serious security worries, especially North Korea’s nuclear advances.

Kim has promised to move quicker in building up his nuclear arsenal. His response to recent U.S.-South Korea military drills included a warning to expand his country’s nuclear capabilities at a fast pace.

Earlier this week, North Korean troops briefly crossed the border, which led South Korean soldiers to fire warning shots. Both sides traded accusations, with North Korea calling it a “deliberate provocation.”

Middle America knows that safety comes from strength and real-world action, not empty promises. The world watches as powerful nations challenge each other, but it’s everyday folks who bear the weight when tensions run high. We look for leaders who put peace and security first and who don’t shy away from standing up for their country.

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Wyatt Matters

Standing up for national security means protecting families and communities across the heartland, reminding us that our safety at home often depends on strength and determination on the world stage.