DPRK fires several cruise missiles toward Yellow Sea: Seoul
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Seoul's military says with this launch, the DPRK is expediting tensions in the region.
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A TV screen shows a report of the DPRK's cruise missiles with file footage during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. (AP)
Seoul's military said on Wednesday that the DPRK launched several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, expediting tensions in the region.
The DPRK enlarged its weapon testing activities since the new year to include underwater nuclear weapon testing and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile, especially amid US-South Korea military exercises in the region.
"Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
"The detailed specifications are being closely analyzed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities," the statement added.
It is worth noting that UN sanctions on Pyongyang dictate that ballistic missile testing is prohibited but cruise missiles are not.
This comes as South Korea is conducting a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off its east coast, in preparation as tensions continue rising. "We will achieve our mission to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory and neutralize them completely under any circumstances," the drill chief said.
The DPRK responds to South Korea's threats
DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has affirmed that Pyongyang intends to "annihilate" South Korea should its army violate the DPRK's sovereignty.
"If the ROK dares attempt to use armed forces against the DPRK or threaten its sovereignty and security and such opportunity comes, we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilizing all means and forces in our hands," Kim said.
According to the Pyongyang-based KCNA, Kim delivered this statement while inspecting the DPRK's significant munitions factories over the last two days.
During the inspection, he vowed to "annihilate" South Korea, which is viewed as the DPRK's "principal enemy".
Kim previously referred to South Korea as a "colonial stooge" with which relations have been "tainted by Yankee culture."
On New Year's Eve, the DPRK leader directed the country's top commanding officers to "thoroughly annihilate" South Korea and the US in the event of a military aggression initiated by them.
Read more: DPRK shells maritime border; South Korea orders evacuation
