North Korea Launches Multiple Cruise Missiles Towards Sea Amid Military Drills
Date
3/23/2023 5:47:45 AM
(MENAFN) North Korea has launched multiple cruise missiles towards the sea, according to South Korea's military. The launches came just three days after North Korea conducted a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea, and mark the fourth round of weapons tests since the U.S. and South Korean militaries began large-scale military drills. The U.S.-South Korean military drills are set to end on Thursday, but North Korea is expected to continue its testing activities as the United States reportedly plans to send an aircraft carrier for another round of joint drills with South Korea.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that it detected "several" cruise missile launches from the North's northeastern coastal town of Hamhung. The missiles reportedly flew into the North's eastern waters, and South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are analyzing further details. While U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from launching ballistic missiles, they do not prohibit its cruise missile tests. However, experts warn that North Korea's cruise missiles pose a serious threat to its neighbors, as they are designed to fly at a lower altitude to avoid radar detection. The North has described the recently tested cruise missiles as "strategic," indicating an intent to arm them with nuclear weapons.
The South Korean military has pledged to maintain a firm readiness and successfully complete the rest of the drills with the United States. The ongoing weapons tests by North Korea come after a record year of testing activity in 2022, during which the North launched around 20 missiles in 10 separate events. The weapons tested included short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles capable of striking South Korea and intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to attack the mainland U.S.
The recent weapons tests by North Korea have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community over the North's military capabilities and intentions. The tests also highlight the ongoing tensions between North Korea and its neighbors, particularly South Korea and the United States. The joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea have long been a source of friction with North Korea, which views them as a rehearsal for an invasion. The continued weapons tests by North Korea are likely to further strain relations with the international community and heighten tensions in the region.
MENAFN23032023000045014228ID1105843877
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.