South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported the first missile launch from North Korea’s Wonsan province around 3 p.m. today. The projectile, believed to be a Hwasong-11 model, traveled approximately 450 km towards the eastern waters of the peninsula.
Approximately three hours later, North Korea launched another missile from Wonsan province. The South Korean military identified this as a short-range ballistic missile, which flew over 600 km.
North Korea typically fires one or more missiles per launch, but rarely conducts multiple launches with several hours between them on the same day.
The JCS confirmed that South Korean and US intelligence agencies monitored the developments from the initial launch, sharing information with Japan. South Korean forces have heightened their surveillance of the situation.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the detection of a missile launched from North Korea, stating it landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
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A Hwasong-11Ra missile, carrying a cluster warhead, launched by North Korea on 19/4. Photo: KCNA |
South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the launches, urging North Korea to immediately halt all missile activities, stating that these actions violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Japan also lodged a protest through diplomatic channels in Beijing. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated, "North Korea’s series of actions threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community".
North Korean officials have not yet commented on the reports.
North Korea has consistently conducted weapons tests recently, including a missile launch on 12/9. The country also held live-fire drills combining missiles, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles, one day after the United States, South Korea, and Japan concluded their five-day joint exercise.
Pyongyang has repeatedly criticized Washington-led military exercises.
On 19/9, Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the US-led exercises of exacerbating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. She declared that Pyongyang would continue to strengthen its nuclear arsenal and would demonstrate its resolve to protect sovereignty through "more explicit actions".
Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, AP)
