North Korea has once again launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards its east coast, marking the country’s second test in just one week. The missiles were fired from Kaechon, north of Pyongyang, and traveled approximately 400km before falling into the sea with no reported damage. South Korea and Japan both condemned the provocations, with Japan confirming that at least two ballistic missiles were fired.
Analysts suspect that the recent missile tests could be related to North Korea’s alleged supply of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. The two heavily-sanctioned countries have been deepening ties, with North Korea denying the accusations of weapon supply to Moscow. The latest missile launches come shortly after North Korea’s foreign minister met with a top Russian security official in Moscow.
Last week, Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles for the first time in over two months, showcasing a new 600mm multiple-launch rocket system. The country has been accused by the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine of providing weapons to Moscow in exchange for economic and military assistance.
The United Nations sanctions monitors have reported finding fragments from North Korean missiles at the site of a Russian attack in Ukraine. These latest tests also coincide with North Korea releasing images of its uranium enrichment facility, highlighting the country’s ongoing nuclear ambitions despite being under UN sanctions since its first nuclear test in 2006.
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