Second test in days, DPRK fires two ballistic missiles: Seoul

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Mar 22:27

South Korea claims that the short-range ballistic missiles flew for almost 650 kilometers.

DPRK test fires a submarine-launched ballistic missile in October 2019 (AFP)

DPRK test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday, Seoul; said, as the US and South Korea are conducting their largest joint military exercise in 5 years spanning over ten days.

South Korea's military chief said that "two short-range ballistic missiles" were detected by the army, launched between 7:41 am (2241 GMT) and 7:51 am, covering almost 620 kilometers in range.

The tests come following the start of South Korea and US joint drills on Monday, dubbed "Freedom Shield 23," which Pyongyang considers potential rehearsals for the invasion of its soil.

"Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches," the statement added.

Japan confirmed that the missiles did not land in the country's territorial waters, however, Tokyo believes that Pyongyang could take "further provocative action."

On Tuesday, North Korea test-fired two "strategic" or nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a submarine to counter the joint military exercises.

The South Korean military announced earlier this month the beginning of "Teak Knife" military exercises staged by the special forces of Seoul and Washington, which entail a simulation of precision strikes on key facilities in the DPRK.

The "Freedom Shield" exercises aim to respond to the "changing security environment" due to Pyongyang's alleged increased escalation, the allies said earlier.

The exercises "involve wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilization campaign in the North," the South Korean army said earlier.

The drill is "defensive one based on a combined operational plan," Seoul claimed.

US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday that DPRK will not "disrupt" the exercises between the US and its South Korean ally.

"If (their actions) are designed to disrupt or delay alliance training events, then they will fail. We are going to continue to train with our (South Korean) allies," he said.

"There's not going to be any change to how we're training with our Korean allies," Kirby added.

"And I'll let the regime in Pyongyang speak to their intentions beyond that."