The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that North Korea launched several cruise missiles off its eastern coast today, Sunday, marking the second such launch in less than a week. The missiles were fired around 8 a.m. local time (23:00 Saturday GMT), and the launch is being analyzed by South Korean and U.S. intelligence, though the number of missiles has not been specified. The statement read, "While we are enhancing surveillance and readiness operations, our military is closely cooperating with the United States and monitoring signals and additional activities from North Korea."
This latest launch follows North Korea's firing of what it described as a new strategic cruise missile called "Bulewasal-3-31," which indicates it is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. North Korea is escalating tensions with the United States and its allies; however, officials in Washington and Seoul say there are no indications that Pyongyang intends to undertake imminent military action. Officials and analysts suggest that the Pyongyang government is likely to continue or even increase provocative measures following significant successes in ballistic missile development, enhanced cooperation with Russia, and its departure from a longstanding goal of peaceful reunification with South Korea.
Earlier today, North Korea's official news agency condemned a series of military drills conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces in recent weeks, warning of "grave consequences." North Korea conducted its first test of a cruise missile with potential nuclear capabilities in September 2021.
