On Monday, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles, with the South Korean military reporting that one missile may have had an abnormal flight trajectory, potentially falling inland near the capital of Pyongyang. The missiles were launched at 5:05 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. local time, with flight distances of 600 kilometers (373 miles) and 120 kilometers (75 miles) respectively.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated that the second missile's abnormal flight could have led to debris falling inland, although no damage has been confirmed. The first missile was identified as a short-range ballistic missile, while the nature of the second missile remains unspecified, leaving room for speculation about it being a new weapon.
The missiles were launched from the Changyon-gun area of South Hwanghae province, southwest of Pyongyang. If the second missile exploded after flying 120 kilometers northeastward, debris could have potentially landed near Pyongyang, the largest city in North Korea.
North Korea recently claimed a successful test involving multiple warheads deployment, which South Korea refuted. The JCS spokesperson highlighted that North Korea's missile had exploded during launch, rather than during the descending stage as expected in a successful test.
North Korea did not issue any statements following the missile launches, but had previously criticized joint military exercises by the US, South Korea, and Japan. The country emphasized its commitment to deterring actions that disrupt peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The relationship between North and South Korea remains tense, with sporadic periods of thawing interspersed with increased military activities. North Korea's recent missile tests coincide with ongoing meetings of the ruling Worker's Party, potentially serving as a display of strength amidst regional tensions.
