North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea, neighboring countries confirmed on Thursday. The missiles were detected by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, flying 360 kilometers before landing between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took measures to protect ships and aircraft in the area.
The missile launches seem to be aimed at South Korea, prompting diplomats from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. to condemn the actions, citing threats to regional and global peace. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command emphasized its unwavering security commitment to both South Korea and Japan.
These missile launches mark North Korea’s first public weapons testing in over two months. Leader Kim Jong Un had recently announced readiness to engage in battle with the country’s adversaries during a speech commemorating his government’s 76th foundation anniversary.
Speculation arises as experts suggest North Korea might conduct a nuclear test or long-range missile test before the U.S. presidential election to strengthen its position in future negotiations with the U.S. Satellite images show minor damage to North Korea’s nuclear test site from heavy rains, with no significant recent activity noted.
North Korea has intensified its weapons testing activities since 2022, focusing on enhancing its capabilities for potential strikes against the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding military exercises, which North Korea considers invasion preparations.
Earlier, Kim refrained from missile tests during large-scale joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. However, he showcased the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline units, raising concerns about deploying battlefield nuclear weapons along the border with South Korea.
