China Expands Nuclear Defense Network in Remote Desert 
Russia Prepares New Large-Scale Attack on Ukraine, Zelenskiy Warns 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
US and Iran Near Nuclear Deal as Ceasefire Extension Awaits Trump Approval 
Hamas Commander Mohammad Odeh Killed in Gaza as Israel Intensifies Campaign 
Trump Nears Decision on Iran Ceasefire Extension as Key Disputes Remain 
DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into E. Jean Carroll Over Alleged Perjury 
US Tightens Ebola Controls as Congo Outbreak Sparks Global Concern 
Flavio Bolsonaro Meets Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio Amid Brazil Political Crisis 
U.S. Lawmakers Back Ukraine’s Request for More Patriot Missiles Amid Rising Russian Attacks 
Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Boston Sanctuary City Policy 
UN Blacklists Israel and Russia Over Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Claims 
Poland Considers Revoking Zelensky’s Top Honor Over Controversial UPA Army Unit Recognition 
Baltic Drone Incidents Raise NATO Security Concerns 
US Designates Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho as Global Terrorist Entities Ahead of FTO Listing 
Kentucky School District Secures $27 Million in Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Settlements 
South Korean lawmakers say that North Korea will likely test its new intercontinental ballistic missile this month or in April. The lawmakers added that Pyongyang may also decide to hold large-scale military drills at this time.
South Korean lawmakers on Tuesday said that North Korea may hold large-scale drills and test its new ICBM in March or in April following a briefing from the South Korean National Intelligence Service.
The agency notes that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s first child is a son who has yet to make a public appearance, as well as a third child. Kim’s daughter, known as Kim Ju-ae, has been making public appearances with her father in recent months, which led to speculation that she was being groomed to succeed Kim.
However, the agency said Kim Ju-ae’s public appearances are most likely due to Kim aiming to prove the legitimacy of the fourth-generation succession, according to lawmakers.
Regarding North Korea’s food situation, the agency said it was because of Pyongyang’s grain policy, distribution challenges, and the COVID situation. However, the NIS said the situation was not severe enough that it would threaten the regime. The agency cited a report that North Korea was facing an annual shortage of 800,000 tons of rice.
On the same day, the North Korean state media outlet KCNA reported Kim’s sister Kim Yo-jong issued a warning to the United States and South Korea. Kim Yo-jong threatened that an attempt to intercept North Korea’s missile tests would be a declaration of war. Kim Yo-jong also blamed the joint military drills of the US and South Korea for the flared tensions in the region.
Kim Yo-jong also hinted that Pyongyang may fire more missiles into the Pacific Ocean. While the US and its allies have never intercepted North Korean missiles, the warning comes as Pyongyang suggested that it intends to shoot more missiles over Japan.
“The Pacific Ocean does not belong to the dominion of the US and Japan,” said Kim Yo-jong.
In a separate statement, the head of the foreign news section of the North Korean foreign ministry accused the US of worsening the situation by carrying out joint air drills with the use of a B-52 bomber on Monday and planning joint field exercises with South Korea.
