North Korea fires several ballistic missiles: Japan
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced that North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles.
The Japan Coast Guard said both weapons splashed to the ground about four minutes after the launch was detected.
Both missiles are believed to have crashed into waters in the Sea of Japan outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, which extends about 370 km from the coast.
The South Korean military also confirmed that at least one missile was launched.
Tuesday’s launch comes after North Korea recently threatened retaliation, including one in January and another in September, along the border over what it called South Korean surveillance drones.
The South Korean government denied that any drones were operated during the hours stated by North Korea and began investigating whether civilians were sending them.
Analysts said North Korea’s drone accusations likely stemmed from efforts to defuse anti-South Korean sentiment ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, which is expected to begin in late January or February.
The North may add leader Kim Jong-un’s declaration of a hostile “two-state” system on the Korean Peninsula to its party charter, the first of its kind in five years.
Earlier this month, North Korea announced that it had conducted test flights of hypersonic missiles. Kim observed the launches and underlined the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent, according to North Korean state media.
North Korea in December test-fired what it called long-range, strategic cruise missiles and new air defense missiles, and released photos showing the apparent structure of its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Analysts said North Korea aims to demonstrate or review its achievements in the weapons development sector ahead of the party congress.
With AP and DPA
