PYONGYANG, Oct 22: The North Korean military launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, marking its first missile launch since May 8, when it tested various short-range systems, in simulation of the DPRK’s ability to tackle military aggression by either the US, or South Korea.
According to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of “several projectiles, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles,” fired around 8:10 am local time from an area south of Pyongyang, and flew for an approximate 350km, reports South Korean media.
He added that the ROK is prepared to repel any possible assault, and will respond to all provocations in a reciprocal manner.
The tests come just one week ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea, who, along with a host of several other world leaders would be coming to Gyeongju to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum summit on Oct 29.
This is also the first such test since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office in June.
Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told media that Tokyo was closely communicating with Washington and Seoul, including by sharing real-time missile warning data.
Earlier this month, the President of the General Worker’s Party of Korea unveiled its latest Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade in Pyongyang, which was attended by Chinese, Russian and other top officials.
The ICBM, which Kim called its most powerful strategic weapon, is reportedly designed specifically to carry multiple nuclear warheads to defeat US missile defences, which the DPRK is likely to test before the end of the year. (Agencies)
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