North Korea tests ballistic missiles

2024-09-12 09:55:01, Kosova & Bota CNA

A television screen shows footage of North Korea's missile test during a news program at a train station in Seoul, South Korea, June 12, 2024. Source: AP

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles near its east coast on Thursday, South Korea's military said.

It was the North's first missile test in more than two months and came just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to increase its nuclear arsenal.

The missiles were launched from Pyongyang and flew about 360 kilometers before falling into the sea, the South Korean military's General Staff said, without saying exactly how far they were fired.

"We strongly condemn the launch of missiles by North Korea, because this is a clear provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said in a statement.

Japan's Defense Ministry said at least two ballistic missiles from North Korea flew more than 350 kilometers at an altitude of 100 kilometers.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who visited Seoul last week to reaffirm relations with South Korea before resigning, said Tokyo strongly condemned North Korea's missile launch.

"We are continuing our great surveillance efforts as well as cooperation with the US and South Korea," Kishida said.

The special envoys of South Korea, Japan and the US on nuclear weapons spoke by phone and said the North's missile launch is a violation of UN resolutions, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.

They also vowed to respond to any provocation from North Korea.

The last time North Korea fired a missile was on July 1, when it said it successfully test-fired a new ballistic and tactical missile.

Thursday's missile launch came just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to build "more and more" nuclear weapons and make sure they are ready for use. at any time".

North Korea also faces accusations that it supplies Russia with weapons, including drones and ballistic missiles for its war in Ukraine.

Ukraine, the United States and other countries and analysts say Kim is helping Russia in the war by giving it missiles in exchange for economic and military aid.

Moscow and Penian have denied the accusations, but have pledged to strengthen military cooperation./ REL