North Korea launches ballistic missiles again: Seoul urgently convenes Security Council
Photo: Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that North Korea carried out new ballistic missile launches, which have increased tensions in the region and raised concerns in Seoul, according to Reuters.
New missile launches
On Wednesday, North Korea carried out another series of missile launches, continuing a wave of tests that began earlier. According to the military of South Korea, one of the missiles was launched from the Wonsan area toward the eastern coast and traveled about 700 kilometers.
It is also reported that earlier the same day, short-range missile launches were detected, with a flight distance of approximately 240 kilometers. Together with the US side, a detailed analysis of the flight parameters is ongoing.
Reactions from Seoul and Tokyo
Following the launches, South Korea held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council. Authorities described Pyongyang’s actions as a provocation and called for an end to missile tests.
In Japan, officials said the missiles did not enter its territorial waters or exclusive economic zone. However, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stressed that such actions pose a threat to regional security.
Violation of UN resolutions
In Seoul, officials reminded that such tests violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. At the same time, North Korea traditionally rejects these restrictions, insisting on its right to self-defense.
Experts suggest that the recent launches may be part of planned developments related to the improvement of missile systems, particularly solid-fuel technologies.
Signals of a lack of dialogue
North Korea’s recent actions came amid strong statements from Pyongyang toward South Korea. The North Korean Foreign Ministry made it clear that it does not view South Korea as anything other than a hostile state.
Analysts believe that in this way, the North is trying to lower expectations of any potential improvement in relations, despite occasional signals that were previously interpreted as steps toward dialogue.
North Korea has announced a new phase in the development of missile technologies potentially capable of striking the United States and its allies. At the same time, experts allow that such statements from Pyongyang may include elements of exaggeration for propaganda purposes.
North Korea launched about ten ballistic missiles from its western coast toward the Sea of Japan. These actions triggered a strong reaction from Japan and led to the activation of deterrence forces in the region.
