North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, according to South Korea’s military.
The South Korean military explained that the missiles were likely fired from a “super-large” multiple rocket launcher, the same type of launching equipment used by South Korea, as the year-end deadline for the United States to offer a new proposal in its nuclear talks with North Korea looms.
News of missile tests came after days of escalated tensions between the two Koreas following an announcement from North Korea that its military conducted artillery drills in disputed waters. South Korea condemned the artillery drills, which were directly ordered by Kim Jong Un, and noted that training in disputed waters breached a peace agreement.
Seoul’s joint chiefs of staff noted that the missiles had been fired into the sea off the eastern coast of North Korea’s South Hamgyong province. South Korean Maj. Gen. Jeon Dong Jin estimated that the missiles flew 235 miles at a maximum altitude of 60 miles. He said the military is monitoring to see if the tests are repeated.
“Our military expresses its strong regret over [the launches] and urges [North Korea] to immediately stop acts that escalate military tensions,” Jeon said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe criticized the missile tests and said the Japanese military would “do its utmost” to keep its citizens safe from North Korean aggression.
This was the 13th missile test conducted by North Korea this year in the wake of broken down discussions between Kim and President Trump. North Korean state media said the country would not continue talks with Trump without more U.S. concessions, especially sanctions relief. The president tweeted that he wants to make a denuclearization deal before the end of the year.
