North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Amid Nuclear Concerns

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, according to reports from neighboring countries. This action follows a warning from the U.N. nuclear watchdog about North Korea’s alarming progress toward developing nuclear weapons.

Details of the Missile Launches

The missiles were launched from the Sinpo region and flew approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) toward the eastern waters of North Korea, as noted by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. They affirmed that South Korea is prepared to counter any provocations and is in close communication with the U.S. and Japan.

Emergency Security Council Meeting

In response to the launches, South Korean officials convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, voicing their worries over North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and urging an immediate halt to such activities. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was set to leave for India and Vietnam.

Regional Military Responses

Both the U.S. and Japanese military reported detecting the missile launches. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reiterated its commitment to defending the U.S. homeland and its allies in the area. Meanwhile, Japan’s Defense Ministry expressed strong objections to North Korea, noting that the missile launches jeopardize regional and global peace, contravening U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korean ballistic activities.

Launch Site and Analysis

The missiles were launched from Sinpo, a coastal city in North Korea known for its shipyard building submarines. South Korean media reported that the military is currently assessing whether the latest missile launches originated from a submarine or a land-based launcher, with Japan’s Deputy Minister of Defense confirming that Japan is examining launch details in partnership with the U.S. and South Korea.

Implications of Underwater Launch Capability

If these launches were indeed from a submarine, it would be North Korea’s first such test in four years. The ability to launch missiles underwater would be a significant concern, as it complicates the detection efforts by rival nations. North Korea has previously showcased a nuclear-powered submarine currently under construction.

Ongoing Weapons Testing

Sunday’s missile tests are part of a broader trend of North Korean weapon advancements this year. Last week, leader Kim Jong Un oversaw missile tests from a destroyer, following three days of testing ballistic missiles equipped with cluster-bomb warheads. Moreover, they recently reported testing enhanced solid-fuel engines capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.