Japan's Coast Guard today, citing the Ministry of Defense, reported detecting two ballistic missiles launched toward the Sea of Japan. Jiji Press, citing Ministry of Defense sources, stated that the two missiles landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also reported detecting several ballistic missiles launched by North Korea toward the waters Seoul refers to as the East Sea.
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A missile launch in North Korea in 5/2025. Photo: KCNA |
This marks North Korea's second missile launch this month, following a series of launches just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae-myung departed for a visit to China earlier this month.
The incident occurred one day after US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby visited Seoul and praised South Korea as an "exemplary ally" of the United States.
Over the years, North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests, including weapons capable of reaching the US mainland. It has also unveiled several variants using solid-fuel engines, which can be deployed more quickly and are easier to conceal than liquid-fuel types.
Analysts suggest these actions aim to improve the precision strike capabilities of its weapons and to challenge the United States and South Korea.
Late last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the "expansion and modernization" of missile production lines, as well as the construction of more factories to meet increasing demand.
Vu Hoang (According to AFP)
