SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea conducted the launch of at least one “unidentified ballistic missile,” confirmed by Seoul’s military on Friday.
The missile was reportedly directed towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, according to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. Japanese sources indicated that the missile seemed to be short-range and had already fallen.
The launch occurred shortly after Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rebuffed widespread allegations accusing Pyongyang of transporting weapons to Russia. She accused Seoul and Washington of misleading public opinion with repeated claims about weapon shipments to Moscow, stating that North Korea’s recent display of tactical weapons aimed to deter Seoul’s strategic planning.
This launch follows a series of similar actions, including the firing of short-range ballistic missiles off North Korea’s east coast on April 22. Despite facing multiple UN sanctions prohibiting tests involving ballistic technology, North Korea’s ally Russia has effectively halted UN monitoring of violations through a Security Council veto in March, a move praised by Pyongyang.
Investigations by a UN panel of experts were ongoing regarding allegations of weapon transfers from North Korea to Russia. Seoul had previously claimed that around 7,000 containers of arms were sent to Russia for potential use in Ukraine since mid-2023. Meanwhile, Washington and experts suggest North Korea is seeking various military assistance from Russia, including satellite technology and modernizing its aging military equipment.
North Korea announced plans to enhance its military capabilities, including the introduction of a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher, signaling significant advancements in its artillery combat capabilities.
