Seoul: North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles

2023-03-14 08:10:10Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Seoul: North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles

Seoul said on Tuesday that North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles, the second such launch by Pyongyang in three days. The launches coincide with South Korea and the United States launching their largest military exercises in five years. The training started on Monday and will last 10 days.

Washington and Seoul have stepped up defense cooperation following increased military and nuclear threats from North Korea, which has tested a series of banned weapons in recent months. The General Staff of the South Korean army said that the missiles flew about 620 kilometers.

"Our army has increased surveillance and vigilance, in preparation for other launches", said military officials.

The Japanese government spokesman, Hirokazu Matsuno, has said that the missiles have not touched Japanese waters, although Tokyo suspects that North Korea may carry out "further provocative steps". The North Koreans are said to be developing a type of long-range missile, the Hwasong-17. But experts believe that the North Koreans have failed several times in testing the Hwasong-17. In 2022, North Korea passed the law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state.

The leader of the state, Kim Jong-un, has dismissed the possibility of disarmament talks. Pyongyang conducted six nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017, despite sanctions. This country in East Asia constantly condemns the sanctions and declares that it needs the nuclear system for defense purposes./REL


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