According to Japan and South Korea, North Korea has fired several missiles towards its eastern waters. Just last week, Pyongyang tested several short-range missiles.
According to South Korea and Japan, North Korea has launched at least two missiles from its east coast. The missiles were fired in the direction of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), South Korean and Japanese authorities said. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, they were probably ballistic missiles.
About 30 minutes after the first missile report, the Japanese coast guard reported that North Korea had fired another missile, which also fell into the sea.
The missile test came just days after North Korea unveiled a uranium enrichment facility and announced plans to expand its nuclear weapons arsenal. Just last week, the isolated country tested several short-range missiles.
North Korea ignores UN resolutions
Ballistic missiles can – depending on their design – be equipped with a nuclear warhead. North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile program. Launches and even tests of ballistic missiles of any range are prohibited in the isolated country by UN resolutions. However, the leadership in Pyongyang repeatedly ignores these bans.
Relations between North and South Korea are currently at a low point. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced at the beginning of August that he would reinforce North Korean troops on the border with South Korea with 250 ballistic missile launchers.
Closer ties with Russia
North Korea has also intensified its cooperation with Russia in recent months. The US and South Korea accuse Pyongyang of supplying Russia with weapons and missiles for its war against Ukraine.
Kiev also asserts that North Korean ammunition used by Russia has been found at attack sites in Ukraine. Pyongyang rejects the allegations as “absurd”.