North Korea has conducted multiple short-range ballistic missile launches on Thursday, its first public weapons firing activities in over two months. The launches, detected by South Korea and Japan, were condemned by both countries as a clear provocation that threatens peace and stability in the region. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles flew 360km before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
Following the incident, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft, although no damage was reported. The nuclear envoys of South Korea, Japan, and the United States denounced the missile launch as a violation of UN resolutions and vowed to respond to any further provocations by North Korea. The US Indo-Pacific Command reiterated its commitment to the security of South Korea and Japan.
North Korea had previously claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon on July 1, capable of delivering a large warhead. In a speech marking North Korea’s 76th foundation anniversary, leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further strengthen his nuclear force to combat threats from the US and its allies. Experts believe North Korea may conduct a nuclear test or long-range missile tests ahead of the US presidential election in November. The recent missile launches also followed North Korea’s actions of sending balloons with rubbish towards South Korea for five consecutive days.
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