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North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles, Heightening Tensions on Korean Peninsula

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea early Sunday, according to South Korea's military. The launch, potentially involving a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), originated from the Sinpho area. This marks the latest in a series of recent weapons tests, which North Korean state media claims include a tactical ballistic missile with a cluster bomb warhead. South Korea's presidential office condemned the launch as a violation of UN resolutions and convened an emergency security meeting.

Key Points: North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missiles

  • Missiles launched from Sinpho area
  • Possible submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)
  • South Korea-US combined defense posture activated
  • Violation of UN Security Council resolutions
  • Part of recent series of weapons tests
2 min read

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles toward East Sea: Japanese military

North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, prompting emergency meetings and condemnation from South Korea.

"reduce to ashes any target - North Korean state media"

Seoul, April 19

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, South Korea's military said.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missiles launched from the Sinpho area in the North at around 6:10 a.m., and they flew about 140 kilometres.

"Our military is closely monitoring North Korea's various movements under a robust South Korea-US combined defence posture and maintains the capabilities and posture to respond to any provocation in an overwhelming manner," the JCS said.

South Korean and US intelligence authorities have tracked movements related to the launch and have also shared relevant information with the Japanese side, it added.

The military is reportedly considering the possibility of the latest launch involving a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), reports Yonhap news agency.

Submarine-related facilities are known to be located in Sinpho, with the Hero Kim Kun Ok and the 8.24 Yongung submarines previously spotted at the eastern coastal city. The North test-fired an SLBM in waters off Sinpho in May 2022.

North Korea last fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on April 8, in a rare pair of launches conducted in a single day. The North also fired an unidentified projectile the previous day, but it disappeared shortly after it was fired in an apparent failure.

Following the series of launches over two days, North Korea's state media said the North test-fired a tactical ballistic missile tipped with a cluster bomb warhead, claiming it can "reduce to ashes any target" within its range with the highest-density power.

State media also reported Pyongyang conducted tests of an electromagnetic weapon system and carbon fibre sham bombs scattering while verifying the combat reliability of a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system, raising views that the latest launch may be part of such weapons tests.

Following the launch, the presidential Office of National Security convened an emergency meeting and condemned it as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, calling for an immediate halt.

The defence ministry also issued a similar statement, urging the North to halt such missile provocations.

"North Korea should immediately halt consecutive missile provocations that heighten tension on the Korean Peninsula and actively take part in our government's efforts to establish peace," it said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Reading this while sipping my morning chai. It feels like a script from a movie, but it's real. These constant missile tests show how some regimes prioritize military posturing over the welfare of their own people. Very sad situation.
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Aman W
The article mentions UN resolutions. It's high time the international community, including countries like ours, takes a firmer collective stand. Empty condemnations won't work. Stronger diplomatic and economic pressure is needed.
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Sarah B
The technological details are frightening - cluster bomb warheads, electromagnetic weapons. This isn't just saber-rattling; it's a serious arms race. Makes you appreciate the relative peace we have in our region, despite tensions.
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Vikram M
As an Indian, my first thought is for the people of South Korea and Japan living under this shadow. We understand living with unpredictable neighbors. Hope cooler heads prevail and dialogue starts. Jai Hind.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the South Korean government's statement is a bit weak. Just "urging" and "calling for a halt" after so many provocations? Sometimes a more assertive posture is necessary for deterrence. The "overwhelming response" capability needs to be credible.
M
Meera T
The timing is always interesting. These tests often happen when

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