North Korea launches two more short-range missiles

SEOUL (AP) — In its second weapons test in three days, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on Monday, prompting swift condemnation from adversaries.

Sunday’s shooting follows the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday and North Korea’s threats to mount an unprecedented response to US-South Korean military drills that North Korea sees as a rehearsal for an invasion . Some experts have said North Korea could use a new wave of tests to expand its arsenal and ultimately intends to use its enhanced capability to gain an advantage in negotiations with the United States.

The South Korean military detected the two missile launches from a western coastal town just north of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, on Monday morning. Japan noted that the two missiles landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and its territory, adding that no damage was reported to aircraft or ships in the area.

According to assessments by Japan and South Korea, the North Korean missiles flew at a maximum altitude of 50 to 100 kilometers (30 to 60 miles) and traveled a distance of 340 to 400 kilometers (210 to 250 miles).

The South Korean military said the repeated firing of North Korean missiles was “a serious provocation” that undermines international peace. Japan condemned the launches as a threat to the peace and security of Japan and international society.

The US Indo-Pacific Command said the missile launches underscore the “destabilizing impact” of North Korea’s illegal weapons programs. He said US commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan “remain steadfast”.

North Korea’s state media said long-range artillery units on its west coast fired two rounds across the country in eastern waters on Monday morning, possibly referring to the same activity as its neighbors said to be missile launches. The Korean Central News Agency said North Korean artillery fire simulated attacks on targets up to 395 kilometers (245 miles) away.

North Korea said the launches involved its new 600mm multiple rocket launcher system which could be armed with “tactical” nuclear weapons for use on the battlefield. Some experts considered the weapon system to be a short-range ballistic missile.

“The frequency with which the Pacific is used as a firing range depends on the character of the action of US forces,” Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said in a statement carried by state media. ‘State. “We are very aware of the movement of strategic strike assets by US forces, (which) have accelerated around the Korean Peninsula lately.”

Calling the United States “the worst maniacs”, he threatened to take unspecified “corresponding countermeasures” in response to future US military moves.