North Korea fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Tuesday, its neighbours said, continuing a display of weapons hours before the US presidential election.
Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said at least seven North Korean missiles flew at a distance of 400 kilometres with a maximum altitude of 100 kilometres. They landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, he said. Nakatani also added:
“North Korea’s actions, including a series of repeated missile launches, threaten the peace and safety of Japan, the region and the international community.”
South Korea’s armed forces also detected several missile launches by North Korea and subsequently stepped up their surveillance. North Korean missiles could be used to strike key targets in South Korea, including US military bases.
Earlier on October 31, North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Command, the ICBM was launched from a test site near Pyongyang at 7:10 a.m. local time. The Japanese military said the flight lasted 1 hour 26 minutes, with a range of 1,000 kilometres and an altitude of a record 7,000 kilometres. The missile fell into the sea about 300 kilometres from Okushiri Island outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The ICBM launch was the first since December 18, 2023. According to Japan’s Defence Ministry, the missile was believed to have been launched on a hinged trajectory. This means that the missile was launched at a more vertical angle to reduce its range, thereby increasing its flight altitude.
Ballistic missiles launch as a “military measure”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasised that the successful missile test demonstrates his state’s determination to “confront enemies.” He said:
“This launch is a just military measure that shows our determination to give a response to enemies who have recently deliberately aggravated the situation in the region and threatened the security of the republic.”
Tokyo protested to Pyongyang, while South Korea announced new sanctions against the DPRK “in response to provocations.” The missile launch was also condemned in the US, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin pledged that Washington would use any kind of weapons, including nuclear weapons, to defend South Korea.
South Korean officials have said North Korea is likely to step up its military demonstrations during the US presidential election to get Washington’s attention. South Korea’s military intelligence agency said last week that North Korea has likely completed preparations for a seventh nuclear test.
