North Korea on Wednesday launched several cruise missiles towards the Sea of Japan, the South Korean military announced, being the latest launches in a series of weapons tests carried out by Pyongyang this year, Reuters and AFP report, according to Agerpres.
“Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles in the waters northeast of Wonsan at around 09:00 (00:00 GMT) today and South Korean and US intelligence services are conducting a detailed analysis,” said the Inter-Army General Staff (JCS), according to a press release.
The JCS added that it is “reinforcing surveillance and vigilance” and “closely monitoring any sign or additional activity by North Korea.”
On Monday, Pyongyang announced that it had tested a new multiple control system for missile launchers that it believes could significantly strengthen its defense capabilities.
Nuclear-armed North Korea this year declared South Korea its “main enemy”, shut down reunification agencies and threatened to go to war over any territorial infringement.
Pyongyang has stepped up its military equipment tests, notably testing what it described as an “undersea nuclear weapons system” and a solid-fueled hypersonic ballistic missile.
The North Korean military has also launched a number of cruise missiles this year, a type of weapon the North could offer Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine, according to analysts.
Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their ties in recent months. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a surprise visit to Russia in September to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
South Korea and the United States argue that, despite UN sanctions, the North is sending weapons to Russia, possibly in exchange for technical help with its satellite spying program.
