North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea’s military. The missiles travelled up to 250km before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff warned North Korea against “misjudging” the situation, pledging to “overwhelmingly respond” to any additional provocations.
The launches come after North Korea tested a new hypersonic missile on January 6, prompting criticism from South Korea and the United States. The tests have been seen as a threat to regional stability and peace.
South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned North Korea’s actions, saying the country would sternly respond to any future provocation. Japan also took note of the launch, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announcing that Tokyo was sharing real-time missile warning data with Washington and Seoul to strengthen cooperation on countermeasures.
The situation remains tense, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continuing to develop his nuclear-capable arsenal.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/14/north-korea-launches-multiple-short-range-ballistic-missiles