North Korea Launches Cruise Missiles Off East Coast, Reports Reuters

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea launched multiple cruise missiles off its east coast on Sunday, marking its second missile test in less than a week, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The missiles were fired around 8 a.m. local time (2300 GMT on Saturday), and South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are currently analyzing the situation. The JCS did not disclose the exact number of missiles launched or their flight distances.

"Our military is enhancing surveillance and readiness, cooperating closely with the United States, and monitoring any further activities from North Korea," the JCS stated.

These missile launches follow North Korea’s recent test of a new strategic cruise missile called "Pulhwasal-3-31," which the nation claims to have nuclear capabilities.

North Korea appears to be escalating tensions with the United States and its allies. However, officials in both Washington and Seoul report no immediate indications that Pyongyang plans military action at this time.

Experts believe North Korea may continue or even intensify its provocative actions after making advancements in ballistic missile technology, enhancing cooperation with Russia and China, and abandoning its long-standing goal of peaceful reunification with South Korea.

Earlier on Sunday, North Korea’s state media condemned a series of military exercises conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces in recent weeks, warning of "merciless" repercussions. The report emphasized the need for North Korea to maintain readiness for potential conflict due to ongoing military drills perceived as threats.

North Korea first conducted a test of a cruise missile with possible nuclear strike capabilities in September 2021. While U.N. Security Council sanctions do not prohibit the country from testing conventional cruise missiles, South Korea’s defense minister Shin Won-sik criticized the recent launches as a significant threat to both South Korea and the wider region.

The latest missile test occurred one day after a Chinese delegation, led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, wrapped up a three-day visit to Pyongyang, where both nations pledged to strengthen tactical cooperation and safeguard shared interests.

In a separate report, North Korean state media indicated that a delegation led by Sports Minister Kim Il Guk departed for China on Saturday.