SEOUL: North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Tuesday, as reported by South Korea’s military, marking the latest display of power just hours before the U.S. presidential election. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the missile launches at around 7:30 a.m. from the Sariwon area in North Hwanghae Province. The missiles traveled approximately 400 kilometers before landing in the sea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a JCS official revealed that the launches likely involved North Korea’s KN-25 super-large 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers. This weapon system is considered capable of reaching any location in South Korea when fired from Sariwon. Although the official did not specify the number of missiles launched, they mentioned that a detailed analysis is currently under way.
The timing of the missile launches coincides with the U.S. presidential election between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. South Korean officials
have previously warned that North Korea might conduct weapons tests around the U.S. election period to assert its influence and garner international attention by showcasing its nuclear capabilities.
The recent launches came just days after North Korea’s launch of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is theoretically capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. North Korea described the Hwasong-19 as the “ultimate version” of its ICBM series, claiming it has achieved an “irreversible hegemonic position” in nuclear weapon delivery capabilities.
In response to the ICBM launch, South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted joint air drills over waters east of the southern island of Jeju. The drills involved a U.S. B-1B bomber, according to the JCS. Kim Yo-jong, sister to North Korea’s leader, criticized the exercise, labeling it a demonstration of the “most hostile and dangerous aggressive nature” of the enemy.
The JCS official suggested that the recent missile launches were like
ly intended as a show of force against the joint air drills and could also serve as threats against South Korea. The unusual location of the launch indicates North Korea’s capability to conduct surprise missile attacks on the South.
Amid the ongoing security tensions, the official warned of potential further provocations from North Korea, including the possibility of launching a hypersonic missile, a spy satellite, submarine-launched ballistic or cruise missiles, or even conducting a nuclear test. South Korean officials have indicated that North Korea is prepared to conduct what would be its seventh nuclear test at any time.
The JCS official speculated that if North Korea proceeds with a nuclear test, it might focus on testing the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead, which was unveiled in March last year as part of efforts to miniaturize warheads for various missiles. The JCS reiterated its commitment to not “sit idle” in the face of North Korea’s provocative actions, emphasizing that North Korea would bear
full responsibility for any resulting consequences.