North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Thursday after the United States redeployed an aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula in response to Pyongyang's previous launch of a nuclear-capable missile over Japan.
The latest missile launches suggest North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is determined to continue with weapons tests aimed at boosting his nuclear arsenal in defiance of international sanctions. Many experts say Kim's goal is to eventually win U.S. recognition as a legitimate nuclear state and the lifting of those sanctions, though the international community has shown no sign of allowing that to happen.
He added that the second missile was possibly launched on an "irregular" trajectory. It is a term that has been previously used to describe the flight characteristics of a North Korean weapon modelled after Russia's Iskander missile, which travels at low altitudes and is designed to be manoeuverable in flight to improve its chances of evading missile defences.
Yoon's office said his National Security Director Kim Sung-han discussed the launch at an emergency security meeting where members discussed plans to prepare for further North Korean hostilities, including military provocations. Experts said the weapon was likely a Hwasong-12 missile capable of reaching the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond.
The carrier was in the area last week as part of drills between South Korea and the United States and the allies' other training involving Japan. North Korea considers such U.S.-led drills near the peninsula as an invasion rehearsal and views training involving a U.S. carrier more provocative. But one of the tit-for-tat launches nearly caused catastrophe early Wednesday when a malfunctioning South Korean Hyumoo-2 missile flipped shortly after liftoff and crashed into the ground at an air force base in the eastern coastal city of Gangneung. South Korea's military said no one was hurt and civilian facilities weren't affected.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Korea, U.S. fire missiles into sea to protest 'reckless' North Korea testSouth Korea and the U.S. military conducted missile drills in response to North Korea\u0027s launch of a ballistic missile over Japan.
Read more »
South Korea, U.S. fire missiles into the sea to protest ‘reckless’ North Korea testSouth Korea, U.S. fire missiles into the sea, report Hyunmoo-2 missile failed shortly after launch and crashed, but did not detonate
Read more »
South Korea, U.S. fire missiles into the sea to protest 'reckless' North Korea testSouth Korea and the U.S. military conducted missile drills in response to North Korea\u0027s launch of a ballistic missile over Japan.
Read more »
South Korea, U.S. conduct missile drill in response to North Korea missile testSEOUL — South Korea and the U.S. military fired a volley of missiles into the sea in response to North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile over Japan, Seoul…
Read more »
South Korea, U.S. conduct missile drill in response to North Korea missile testSEOUL — South Korea and the U.S. military fired a volley of missiles into the sea in response to North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile over Japan, Seoul…
Read more »