North Korea sets off a barrage of shots.
North Korea launched ten short-range ballistic missiles into the sea just days after their failed satellite launch attempt. The South Korean military announced this, revealing that the missiles originated from the Pyongyang metropolitan area and flew for roughly 350 kilometers before crashing into the ocean between Korea and Japan. Relevant parties, including the US and Japan, will assess the data from the incident.
The Japanese Coast Guard issued an urgent security alert, later claiming the missiles had probably already exploded. There have been no reports of physical damage. The authorities urged caution, fearing debris from the missiles might contaminate the surrounding waters. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denounced the missile launches, saying they violated UN Security Council resolutions.
Per earlier events, North Korea responded to South Korean anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets by launching hundreds of balloons in the opposite direction.
Ballistic missiles can contain nuclear warheads, depending on their construction. North Korea faces international sanctions due to its nuclear arsenal and missile program. These restrictions prohibit North Korea from using or testing such missiles. However, Pyongyang routinely disregards these bans.
Satellite launch failure
Two days prior, North Korea's attempt to launch a military satellite using "a new-type carrier rocket" and the reconnaissance satellite "Malligyong-1-1" failed. According to state-run media, the carrier rocket with the reconnaissance satellite overloaded and exploded shortly after take-off. In response to South Korea's air force exercise near the border following the launch announcement, Kim Jong Un threatened a strong response.
International response to the satellite launch was unfavorable. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the US, and South Korea criticized it for being directly related to North Korea's ballistic missile program. The German government voiced its disapproval for the same reasons. North Korea responded to the criticism, stating in a Foreign Ministry communique that other nations were entitled to use space rights.
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The South Korean military expressed concern over North Korea's missile tests, as they violated UN Security Council resolutions and could potentially pose a threat to their territory and naval operations. The Japanese government also strongly condemned the missile launches, emphasizing that any actions threatening regional stability are unacceptable, given the ongoing North Korea conflict and tensions with South Korea.
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