SEOUL: North Korea fired several projectiles, including at least one short-range ballistic missile, toward waters off its west coast on Tuesday, South Korea’s military said, marking the country’s first known missile launch since April.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the projectiles were launched at around 1pm local time (0400 GMT) from an area near Chongju in North Pyongan Province. The missile reportedly travelled approximately 80 kilometres before landing in the sea.
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Officials in Seoul said the launch involved multiple projectiles, though at least one was confirmed to be a short-range ballistic missile. The military did not immediately provide further details on the type or number of additional weapons fired.
This marks North Korea’s first missile activity since April 19, when it tested several short-range ballistic missiles that were reportedly equipped with cluster munitions. Earlier in April, Pyongyang also claimed to have tested a new cluster-warhead system and an electromagnetic weapon, which analysts said reflected its ongoing efforts to advance modern warfare capabilities.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly defended the country’s weapons development programme, stating in March that North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state is “irreversible” and that strengthening its nuclear deterrent is essential for national security.
Despite long-standing United Nations sanctions on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes since 2006, North Korea has continued to expand its weapons testing under Kim’s leadership, drawing criticism from South Korea, Japan and the United States.
In response to the latest launch, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry urged Pyongyang to engage with Seoul’s diplomatic outreach and efforts aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
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The ministry reiterated that South Korea remains committed to the goal of complete denuclearisation while pursuing a gradual and practical approach in coordination with international partners.
Tensions remain high in the region as missile tests continue to raise concerns about stability and security in East Asia.