Several cruise missiles were launched by North Korea on Thursday towards the Sea of Japan, South Korean media reported on Wednesday, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea said it detected the launches at around 9 a.m. from the Songdok area in Hamgyŏng province.
The South Korean military statement emphasised that South Korean and US intelligence services are conducting a detailed analysis of the characteristics and trajectories of the missiles fired to determine their type, flight range and potential targets.
On May 8, North Korea had already launched short-range missiles, causing concern in the region and being seen by the international community as “another act of military pressure.”
Analysts point out that the new launches may be part of Pyongyang’s tactics aimed at demonstrating its military capabilities amid intensified allied exercises by South Korea and the United States, as well as in response to recent diplomatic moves in the region.
According to experts, cruise missiles pose a particular threat because they are capable of manoeuvring at low altitudes, making them difficult to intercept by air defence systems.
