In a continued display of military activity, North Korea executed its third test of cruise missiles within a week, launching the projectiles into the waters off its western coast.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff from South Korea reported, “Several unknown cruise missiles were detected launched into the West Sea of North Korea around 07:00 [22:00 GMT].” Both South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are currently analyzing the gathered data.
It is important to note that North Korea is not prohibited from testing cruise missiles under the enduring United Nations sanctions related to its nuclear program. The nation has already conducted two tests in the past week.
Earlier this week, state media revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had provided guidance for the launch of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles, specifically the Pulhwasal-3-31. This event occurred shortly after South Korea observed the launch of several cruise missiles from North Korea’s western coast.
The recent surge in weapons testing by Pyongyang comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong Un is actively modernizing the country’s military capabilities and pursuing the development of more advanced weaponry.
Since the beginning of the year, North Korea has also claimed the successful launch of a solid-fueled hypersonic ballistic missile and a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone.
Simultaneously, Japan, South Korea, and the United States have expanded their joint military exercises, which North Korean leader Kim portrays as invasion rehearsals. This escalation is coupled with the enhancement of deterrence strategies, utilizing nuclear-capable U.S. assets.
In recent weeks, Kim Jong Un has declared South Korea as the “principal enemy” and has taken measures such as shutting down agencies focused on reunification and outreach. The situation continues to evolve, raising concerns among international observers.
Nkf.
