On Thursday morning, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) into the East Sea from the vicinity of Pyongyang. This is the first time after 73 days since the last time North Korea launched ballistic missiles in July.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff(JCS) reported that the missiles traveled approximately 223.69 miles before splashing down in the East Sea. Following the launch, South Korean military officials promptly detected and tracked the missiles, sharing real-time information with the United States and Japan. They are currently conducting a comprehensive analysis of the data.
In a statement, the JCS condemned the missile test as a blatant provocation that undermines regional peace and stability. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a strong South Korea-U.S. defense posture and vowed to monitor North Korean activities closely while being prepared to respond decisively to any further provocations.
According to military authorities, the SRBM launched by North Korea on this day reportedly fell off the coast of the island of Al-som, located in the Hwadae County of North Hamgyong Province.
This recent activity follows North Korea’s recent indications of more advanced provocations, including potential developments of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Kim Jong Un has been observed inspecting new 12-axle mobile missile launch vehicles at a defense industry facility.
Given this backdrop, the potential for more significant provocations, such as an ICBM test launch, is heightened. This latest SRBM launch follows a series of lower-intensity provocations, including the release of balloon-borne propaganda into South Korea for five consecutive days from September 4 to 8.
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