North Korea has conducted a series of ballistic missile launches towards its eastern waters, according to South Korea’s military. The missiles, believed to be short-range, were launched from the vicinity of Wonsan, a port city. The extent of their range remains unconfirmed, but South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff have stepped up surveillance and shared details of the launches with the United States and Japan.
This event marks North Korea’s first missile activity since March 10, when it conducted a similar test shortly after joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. It also represents the sixth missile launch by North Korea this year, heightening the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Recent months have seen escalating hostilities as North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un intensifies efforts to develop his nuclear and missile capabilities, while also reportedly supplying military support to Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Notably, just a day prior to the missile launches, North Korean state media reported Kim’s directives to increase artillery shell production, reflecting deeper military ties with Moscow.
After months of denial regarding its involvement, North Korea has recently acknowledged sending combat troops to Russia, particularly to assist in efforts to reclaim territories in the Kursk region which Ukraine had briefly captured. According to South Korean intelligence reports, approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to have been sent to Russia, with estimates indicating that up to 5,000 have sustained casualties while engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces.
The situation continues to evolve, with both Washington and Seoul accusing North Korea of providing various military assets, including artillery systems and missiles, to support Russia’s military operations. The region remains on high alert as these developments unfold, further complicating the already strained geopolitical landscape.