North Korea launches series of ballistic missiles as regional tensions rise
Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
North Korea conducted another round of missile tests on Sunday, September 20, carrying out two launches off its east coast just three hours apart, according to Reuters.
The first launch was recorded around 3 p.m. local time. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missile was launched from the Wonsan area and flew approximately 450 km toward the East Sea.
South Korean military officials identified it as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). Japan's Ministry of Defense also stated that the projectile was likely a ballistic missile.
According to preliminary assessments, the missile may belong to the Hwasong-11 family.
The second launch took place around 5:50 p.m., approximately three hours after the first. According to the South Korean military, the second missile was also short-range and traveled more than 600 km.
If it is confirmed that the second launch was indeed a ballistic missile, this would mean that North Korea conducted two consecutive ballistic missile tests within three hours.
The Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that the first missile fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
South Korean and US intelligence agencies have been monitoring the situation since the first launch. According to Seoul, information about the incident was also shared with Japan.
South Korea and Japan's reactions
In South Korea, the new launches were condemned at a meeting of the National Security Council. Officials there called on Pyongyang to cease its missile activities and stated that the ballistic missile tests violate UN Security Council resolutions.
For North Korea, this is already the second series of missile tests in about a week. The previous launch took place on September 12. At that time, South Korean military officials also reported launches of short-range ballistic missiles.
Japan has also protested through diplomatic channels. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that North Korea's actions posed a threat to the security of Japan, the region, and the international community.
Why Pyongyang launching missiles again
The new tests took place amid yet another escalation between Pyongyang and countries in the region.
The day before, North Korea rejected a resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog regarding its nuclear program.
In addition, Pyongyang sharply criticized US-led naval exercises involving South Korea and Japan. The exercises took place from August 29 to September 10 near Guam.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that such actions allegedly lead to a further escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. She also confirmed that Pyongyang had no plans to change its course toward strengthening its nuclear arsenal.
