North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles, further raising tensions just five days after disclosing a uranium enrichment facility. The short-range missiles flew about 400 kilometres. Analysts say North Korea may try to further escalate tensions ahead of the US presidential election in November.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the launch from the Kaechon area in South Pyongan province around 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday.
Without giving specific details about the projectiles, the JCS said the missiles flew about 400 kilometres in a northeasterly direction.
North Korea has a test site on P’i-do Island in the vicinity, about 400 kilometres from the launch site. Japanese authorities said the North Korean projectiles fell into waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The South Korean military is analysing details of the short-range ballistic missiles, which it has shared with US and Japanese counterparts.
Last week, North Korea test-fired a new 600-millimetre multiple rocket launcher and released images of a uranium enrichment facility where it produces highly enriched uranium for nuclear warheads.
North Korea has said it is capable of mounting nuclear warheads on its KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles and 600-millimetre rockets.
Japanese authorities have expressed displeasure at North Korea after carrying out what are believed to be ballistic missile launches, Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara said. The minister also added:
“The Japanese government has strongly protested and condemned North Korea’s missile launches. It is unacceptable. It is a serious issue affecting the security of our country.”
Earlier, North Korea sent balloons containing debris and parasites towards South Korea.
