North Korea launched suspected ballistic missiles towards the sea on Tuesday, according to neighbouring countries, in what appears to be the latest in a series of weapons tests as tensions rise on the Korean Peninsula.
Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry said North Korea had fired what were believed to be ballistic missiles. South Korea’s Defence Ministry said it detected the launch of at least one unidentified projectile off North Korea’s east coast. Neither country immediately released details on the range or flight path of the weapons.
The launch comes as Pyongyang escalates its rhetoric against South Korea ahead of a major political meeting later this year.
Earlier, North Korea threatened retaliation over what it described as South Korean surveillance drone flights across the border, one allegedly in January and another in September. South Korea has denied operating drones during the periods cited by the North and said it is investigating whether civilians may have been responsible.
Analysts say the drone accusations are likely part of North Korea’s efforts to intensify anti-South Korea sentiment ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress, expected to begin in late January or February. The meeting would be the party’s first in five years.
During the congress, North Korea may formally add leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration of a hostile “two-state” system on the Korean Peninsula to the party constitution, analysts said, a move that would mark a significant shift in Pyongyang’s stance towards the South.
The suspected missile launches follow a series of weapons tests in recent months. Earlier this month, North Korea said it conducted test flights of hypersonic missiles, with Kim personally observing the launches and stressing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent, according to state media.
In December, North Korea also test-fired what it described as long-range strategic cruise missiles and newly developed anti-air missiles. It released images at the same time showing what appeared to be the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.
Analysts say the latest launches are likely intended to showcase and assess North Korea’s weapons development achievements ahead of the party congress, while sending a warning signal to both Seoul and Washington.
