North Korea fires several cruise missiles in latest display of aggression

North Korea fires several cruise missiles in latest display of aggression

Kim Jong-un fired several missiles off its east coast

Reuters
Dimitris Kouimtsidis

By Dimitris Kouimtsidis


Published: 28/01/2024

- 15:01

The authoritarian state fired the missiles in waters off its east coast, near the port of Sinpo

North Korea has fired several cruise missiles in its latest display of aggression.

The authoritarian state launched an unknown number of missiles earlier today off its east coast, near the port of Sinpo.


South Korea and US intelligence agencies are currently analysing the incident.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said: "Our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea's provocations.

Photo of people watching missile launch with inset of missile launch

This is the latest of North Korea's missile launches

Reuters

“The ROK (South Korean) military is maintaining close contact with the US, while enhancing surveillance and vigilance, and is monitoring further signs and activities of North Korea."

They haven't shared more specific details regarding the projectiles launched, the total number of missiles fired or the distance they travelled.

It isn't yet clear from where the missiles were launched, whether from land or naval assets.

North Korea's state media has not yet confirmed the latest missile launch.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Launch of cruise missile called Pulwasal-3-31

Earlier this week on Wednesday, North Korea test fired a new strategic cruise missile called Pulwasal-3-31

Reuters

Kin Jong-un has been increasingly aggressive in his recent policy and rhetoric, ending several agreements aimed at peace-keeping.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told his cabinet this month that if the North carried out a provocation, the South "will retaliate multiple times stronger", pointing to the South Korean military's "overwhelming response capabilities".

Just a few days ago on Wednesday, North Korea test fired a new strategic cruise missile called Pulwasal-3-31.

The DPRK described the missile as "strategic", suggesting it will mount it with nuclear weapons.

This comes as earlier this month the North fired 200 shells towards the South, which was forced to evacuate 2,000 of its people.

Residents on the islands of Yeonpyeong, Baeknyeong and Daecheong were asked to evacuate, after the rounds were fired into the water near the disputed west sea boundary.

South Korea’s Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said in a statement: “North Korea resuming its artillery fire drills inside the non-hostility zone this morning is an act of provocation which threatens peace on the Korean peninsula and raises tension.

“Our military must assume the readiness to completely wipe out the enemy so that they wouldn’t dare another provocation, and to back up the pace through strength.”

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