North Korea fires short-range 'projectiles'

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea today fired several unidentified short-range projectiles into the sea off its eastern coast, the South Korean military has reported.

In response, South Korea says its military is analysing details of the launch, along with United States authorities, and has bolstered surveillance in case there are additional weapons launches.

If it is confirmed that North Korea fired banned ballistic missiles, it would be the first since November 2017 when the Kim Jong Un regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Political observers believe it is a likely sign of Pyongyang’s growing frustration at stalled diplomatic talks with Washington that are aimed at providing coveted sanctions relief in return for nuclear disarmament.

South Korea initially reported that a single missile was fired, but later released a statement saying “several projectiles” had been launched and that they flew up to 125 miles before splashing into the sea toward the northeast.

South Korea says it is “very concerned” about North Korea’s weapons launches, calling them a violation of last year’s inter-Korean agreements to reduce animosities between the two countries.

The statement, which was issued after an emergency meeting of top officials in Seoul, also urged North Korea to stop committing “acts that would raise military tensions” and join efforts to resume nuclear diplomacy.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that the United States (US) was aware of North Korea’s actions and would continue to monitor the situation.

The reported launch comes amid a diplomatic breakdown that has followed the failed summit earlier this year between US President Trump and Jong Un over the North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear bombs that can accurately target the US.

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