North Korea Launches Missiles from East Coast, South Korea's Military Suggests Export Testing of Weapons
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North Korea Unleashes Volley of Missiles, Sparking Concern
It's, once again, a tense scenario on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea has blasted off a series of short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea. South Korea's military reports this as possible trials of weapons destined for export.
The missiles took off from an area near the eastern port city of Wonsan between 8:10am and 9:20am (23:10 GMT on Wednesday), as per South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC). These missiles soared up to 800km (500 miles) before finding their resting place in the Sea of Japan, according to the JSC.
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Following a series of short-range missile tests this year in January and March, this latest round marks the North's fourth such test. The JSC declared they are closely observing the North's activities to prevent misinterpretation.
JSC spokesperson Lee Sung Joon stated during a briefing that these launches could be evaluating the "efficiency or flight stability" of planned missile exports. Although Lee did not mention specific export destinations, there have been speculations based on North Korea's military alliance with Russia.
While the exact recipient nation(s) remains unclear, North Korea has bolstered Russia's war effort by dispatching missiles, artillery, and an approximate 15,000 troops. Alarming data from South Korea's National Intelligence Service indicates that 4,700 of these troops have suffered deaths or injuries so far.
Russia's deployment was first alluded to last month, with North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un publicly acknowledging this support in collaboration with Russia's military forces.
With North Korea and Russia's recent historic pact sealing a mutual defense treaty, relations appear to grow stronger with each passing day.
Thursday's missile launches also met stern opposition from Japan, leading to a formal rebuke from Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen.
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Privacy PolicyreCAPTCHANorth Korea and Russia strengthened their ties with the signing of a mutual defense treaty last year, following President Vladimir Putin's state visit to the secretive nation.
[1] Kim Jong Un vows to support Russia in Ukraine conflict
[2] North Korea launches more short-range missiles in defiance of U.S.
[3] North Korea could sell missiles to Iran and Syria, former senior U.S. officials say
In the escalating geopolitical scenario, breaking news has emerged about North Korea's fourth series of short-range missile tests this year, with these missiles potentially being evaluated for export, casting a shadow over international relations. Meanwhile, Russia, a potential export destination, has been bolstering its war effort with North Korea's military support, raising concerns in the global community, particularly in Japan. Stay informed about this developing situation by following Al Jazeera for updates on politics, sports, war, general-news, and more.
