Two ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea towards the sea off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast on Sunday, sparking international concern.
The recent move sparked outrage from South Korea’s presidential office and “strongly condemned” Pyongyang for escalating tensions.
The launching of missiles was also confirmed by South Korea and Japan with South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), claiming that the two medium-range missiles flew about 500 kms (311 miles).
Japan’s Vice Defence Minister Toshiro Ino also claimed that the missiles have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
At the time of writing, there had been no report of damages yet.
In an official statement released by South Korea’s JCS, it was revealed that “North Korea’s ballistic missiles were launched at steep angles and landed in the East Sea.”
“South Korean and the United States intelligence authorities are conducting a thorough analysis, factoring recent trends related to North Korea’s missile development,” they added.
Following the launch of missiles, South Korea conducted a National Security Council (NSC) meeting and “strongly condemned” the country for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
According to the South Korea’s presidential office, “the North’s continued provocations and development of nuclear weapons and missiles would further endanger the North Korean regime,” Newsmax reported.
The recent North Korea’s missile launch came after the country announced that it was testing a high-thrust solid-fuel engine that experts claimed would “allow quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles, as it seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speed up its nuclear and missile programs,” the report added.
Overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the test took place at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground on Thursday.
The KCNA news agency claimed that the country has been using the launching ground to test missile technologies which includes rocket engines and space launch vehicles.
“North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, despite international bans and sanctions,” the report added.
Meanwhile, last Friday, Japan announced its biggest military build-up since “World War Two with a $320 billion plan that will buy missiles capable of striking China and ready it for sustained conflict.”
