North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area yesterday, prompting condemnation from South Korea and Japan.
Key facts
- •The first missile was launched at 3pm and the second at 5:50pm from the Wonsan area.
- •The first projectile flew 450km, while the second traveled more than 600km.
- •South Korean military officials identified the first missile as likely belonging to the Hwasong-11 series.
- •Japan lodged a protest against the launches through its embassy in Beijing.
- •North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, recently stated the country would continue to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast yesterday, marking its second set of tests in about a week. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that both projectiles were fired from the Wonsan area within a three-hour window.
By the numbers
Details of the missile launches
The first missile was detected at approximately 3pm and flew about 450km. The South Korean military identified it as a Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. A second missile was launched from the same area at about 5:50pm and traveled more than 600km. Both South Korean and Japanese officials confirmed the launches, with Japan noting that the projectiles landed outside its exclusive economic zone.
Regional and international reaction
South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the tests, stating they contravene UN Security Council resolutions and calling for an immediate halt to such activities. Japan lodged a formal protest through embassy channels in Beijing. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that the actions threaten the peace and security of Japan and the international community. These tests follow recent North Korean criticism of US-led military drills and a UN nuclear watchdog resolution.
Timeline
- Aug. 29 to Sept. 10A US-led naval drill involving South Korea and Japan took place near Guam.
- Sept. 12North Korea conducted a previous missile test.
- YesterdayNorth Korea launched two ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Taipei Times.
