North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles

The launches detected by South Korea and Japan are North Korea’s first public weapons firing activity in two months.

North Korea has launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast, South Korea and Japan reported. The launches occurred around 7:10 a.m. local time on Thursday (12) (7:10 p.m. ET Wednesday), just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his nuclear force was fully prepared for combat against its rivals.

According to news agencies, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from Pyongyang and traveled about 360 km before falling into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

“We strongly condemn the missile launches by North Korea, a clear provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula,” South Korea said in a statement.

While South Korea has not released the exact number of missiles launched, Japan’s Defense Ministry said at least two ballistic missiles were detected. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed authorities to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft. There have been no reports of damage so far.

Nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan and the United States spoke by phone, calling the launch a violation of United Nations resolutions, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said. They also vowed to respond to any provocations by North Korea.

US Indo-Pacific Command has reaffirmed its security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

The launches mark North Korea’s first public weapons testing activity in more than two months. On July 1, the country said it had tested a new tactical weapon capable of carrying a “super-large” warhead weighing 4.5 tons.

On Monday, during a speech marking the 76th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, Kim Jong Un vowed to step up efforts to keep its nuclear force ready to confront the US and its allies, citing the “reckless expansion” of a US-led regional military coalition.

Experts believe North Korea could conduct a nuclear test or launch new long-range missiles before the US presidential election as a way to increase its leverage in future negotiations with Washington.

The launches came shortly after North Korea sent hundreds of balloons loaded with trash toward South Korea for five consecutive days, ending last Sunday.