North Korea conducted two ballistic missile launches off its eastern coastline on Sunday, marking its second series of missile tests in about a week. This escalation comes shortly after Pyongyang accused the United States of heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula through ongoing military exercises.
The first missile, identified as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), was launched from the Wonsan area around 3 p.m. local time (0600 GMT) toward the East Sea. Approximately three hours later, North Korea fired a second missile from the same location. If confirmed as ballistic, this would represent two missile tests within a three-hour span.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the initial launch as a ballistic missile, a view supported by Japan’s defense ministry. Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The first missile reportedly traveled around 450 kilometers (280 miles) and is believed to be part of the Hwasong-11 series. The second missile, launched at about 5:50 p.m. (0850 GMT), flew over 600 kilometers (373 miles).
Intelligence agencies from South Korea and the United States have been closely monitoring the launches from the outset, sharing information with Japan regarding the developments. South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the missile tests, which follow a previous launch on September 12, urging Pyongyang to halt all missile activities immediately. The council emphasized that these actions violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In response, Japan lodged a formal protest through its embassy in Beijing. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described North Korea’s missile launches as a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the broader international community.
Meanwhile, North Korea rejected a recent resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog condemning its nuclear program. Pyongyang also criticized a US-led naval exercise near Guam, which involved South Korea and Japan and took place from August 29 to September 10.
In a significant development, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, attributed the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula to US-led military drills. She reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to advancing its nuclear arsenal despite international pressure.
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