North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward east coast

International Desk. PNN

North Korea has once again launched multiple ballistic missiles, according to South Korea and Japan. The missiles were fired toward the sea off the country’s east coast on Sunday local time.

According to South Korea’s military, the missiles were launched from an area near Sinpo city at around 6:10 AM, which corresponds to 9:10 PM GMT on Saturday. This is North Korea’s seventh missile test this year and the fourth launch in April.

Following the incident, South Korea strengthened its surveillance systems and increased information sharing with the United States and Japan. South Korea’s presidential office also held an emergency security meeting, according to local media reports.

Japan also stated that the missiles are believed to have fallen into the sea near the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. However, there was no intrusion into Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Such missile tests are considered violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, but North Korea has long rejected these restrictions, claiming it is exercising its right to self-defense.

Meanwhile, this launch has created new tensions amid ongoing diplomatic conditions. Analysts say the incident has gained more importance ahead of the upcoming US–China summit.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, recently warned that North Korea’s nuclear capability is rapidly increasing and that a new uranium enrichment facility may be added.

Analysts believe that through continuous missile tests, North Korea is trying to demonstrate its military capability as well as exert pressure in international negotiations, further complicating regional security.