DPRK test-fired 8 short-range ballistic missiles
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This would mark the 18th missile test since the start of 2022.
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A railway-born missile, launched in North Korea, January 2022 (Reuters)
On Sunday, Pyongyang tested 8 short-range ballistic missiles, according to the South Korean Yonhap news agency citing the South Korean military.
Read more: North Korea warns of preemptive use of nuclear force
An informed South Korean source noted that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has appeared to have fired multiple ballistic missiles from a minimum of 2 locations near the Sea of Japan on Sunday. In parallel, the South Korean military announced that North Korea (DPRK) launched an unidentified ballistic missile.
Yonhap, in an update after the incident took place, cited the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying that the North tested 8 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) from 2 locations.
The missile launches occurred between 9:08 am and 9:43 am from the vicinities of Sunan, Pyongyang.
Seoul's National Security Council will be meeting today, Sunday, to discuss DPRK's test launches, according to Yonhap, citing the presidential office.
Japanese coast guards have advised nearby ships to be cautious, as Japanese media reported that the missiles may have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, demanded that all relevant ministries look closely into the situation, and provide a detailed analysis of it.
Read more: North Korea: We oppose war, but will retaliate with nukes if attacked
Kishida divulged that Japan has expressed its disapproval to the DPRK over the latest missile test launches.
The US-led Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) weighed in on the matter, providing a statement saying it had knowledge of Pyongyang's "multiple ballistic missile launches" and was consulting closely with allies and partners, and that the launchers do not threaten the US.
The DPRK has recently increased weapons testing to increase its deterrence capabilities. "Only when one is equipped with the formidable striking capabilities, overwhelming military power that cannot be stopped by anyone, one can prevent a war, guarantee the security of the country and contain and put under control all threats and blackmails by the imperialists," Kim said in late March.
Today would mark North Korea's 18th missile test since the start of 2022.
