Seoul: North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday afternoon following the launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles earlier in the day, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This marks a rare consecutive missile launch amid ongoing tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the JCS detected the missile launched from the Wonsan area in the North at approximately 2:20 p.m. The JCS has since bolstered surveillance in anticipation of further possible launches. Earlier in the day, at around 8:50 a.m., the JCS identified short-range ballistic missiles also launched from the Wonsan area, traveling approximately 240 kilometers before landing in the sea. This event marks North Korea's fifth confirmed ballistic missile launch of the year.
On Tuesday, North Korea launched an unidentified projectile from the Pyongyang area, currently undergoing analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities. The projectile, believed to have been launched in the morning, vanished shortly after firing, indicating a possible failure.
The consecutive missile launches follow President Lee Jae Myung's expression of regret over incidents involving drones entering North Korean airspace. During a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Lee stated that these incursions have unnecessarily heightened military tensions with Pyongyang. Last week, prosecutors indicted three individuals accused of flying drones into North Korea between September and January.
Following Lee's remarks, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, released a statement describing Lee as "frank and broad-minded." However, North Korea's first vice foreign minister, Jang Kum-chol, rejected South Korea's interpretation of Kim's message as optimistic, labeling it a "pipe dream." Jang emphasized that South Korea remains North Korea's "most hostile state," suggesting that the missile launches are a demonstration of force reflecting Pyongyang's ongoing antagonism towards Seoul.
The North's last missile activity occurred on March 14, coinciding with annual military drills conducted by South Korea and the United States. Following these exercises, North Korean state media reported a firepower strike drill involving 600-millimeter ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers.
In response to the initial launch on Wednesday morning, the JCS confirmed close monitoring of North Korea's activities and coordination with the U.S. side. "Our military is closely monitoring North Korea's various movements under a robust South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture and maintains the capabilities and posture to respond to any provocation in an overwhelming manner," the JCS stated.
The U.S. Forces Korea acknowledged awareness of the recent missile launches, emphasizing close consultation with allies and partners. "Based on current assessments, these events do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. The United States remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region," a statement from the U.S. Forces Korea read.
As of now, Pyongyang has not issued any reports concerning the back-to-back missile launches.