This is a first according to experts. While Kim Jong-un is in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, the South Korean military said. This is unprecedented in the absence of the North Korean dictator.
Seoul ready to intervene
“Our armed forces have strengthened their surveillance and vigilance in anticipation of other launches, while remaining ready to intervene in close collaboration with the United States,” indicated the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul.
Tokyo also confirmed this launch of two ballistic missiles. Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that the missiles “appear to have fallen outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone,” adding that details of the launch are being analyzed.