North Korea fired what appeared to be a short-range ballistic missile into the sea on Monday, South Korean officials said.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the weapon was launched near Pyongyang and flew about 185 miles before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The launch came amid speculation that North Korea may soon launch a banned satellite into orbit, possibly coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the North Korean military on April 25. .
The missile’s range on Monday suggested the weapon could target facilities within South Korea, prompting the South Korean government to issue harsh words. There were no immediate reports of damage.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly condemned the launch, calling it a “clear provocation” that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula. The office said it remains prepared for “overwhelming” retaliation against North Korea’s provocations.
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South Korea’s military said North Korea fired multiple missiles on Monday, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Jun)
Neighboring Japan also confirmed the launch of “at least one ballistic missile.”
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile, which flew 155 miles at a maximum altitude of about 30 miles. He also said that missile tests threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community.
Japanese government officials also confirmed that “at least one ballistic missile” was launched from North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Agency, Associated Press)
North Korea has continued to accelerate its weapons tests in recent months to expand its arsenal and military capabilities.
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Monday’s launch completed three recent missile tests, including long-range, intermediate-range and short-range flights.
In recent months, North Korea has conducted long-range, intermediate-range, and short-range missile tests. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Jun)
North Korea announced on Saturday that it tested a “super-large” cruise missile warhead and a new anti-aircraft missile last week. In early April, North Korea also tested what it called a solid-fuel intermediate-range missile with hypersonic warhead capabilities, a weapon capable of attacking targets in the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond. Experts predicted that it was possible.
In recent years, North Korea has tested nuclear-capable missiles aimed at attacking South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. mainland as it continues to develop nuclear weapons.
North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable missile designed to attack bases in South Korea, Japan, and the mainland United States. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Jun)
Some experts, including the South Korean military, say North Korea may launch a second reconnaissance satellite on April 25, the anniversary of the founding of its predecessor, the North Korean military.
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In response to North Korea’s evolving nuclear threat, the United States and South Korea are increasing bilateral and trilateral military exercises with Japan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
