South Korean authorities react strongly and refer to the missile launches as “very unusual”.
LAST:
South Korea responded to the missile launches by launching three air-to-ground missiles from a fighter in response to launches from North Korea. The missiles were launched north of the country’s maritime border, Reuters writes.
Previously:
There were again reports of missile launches from North Korea on Thursday morning.
Earlier it was reported of a missile, since then the number has increased.
South Korean news agency Yonhap writes that North Korea has launched 10 different missiles.
– This North Korean missile launch is very unusual and unacceptable because the missiles landed near South Korean waters, says Kang Shin-Chul of the South Korean General Staff, according to the AFP.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has called a crisis meeting of the country’s National Security Council after the launch.
He refers to the missile launch as basically an intrusion into the territories of South Korea and condemns the launch.
He promises that North Korea will pay for the provocations.
The Japanese defense minister also condemns the launches and protested through diplomatic channels.
According to Yonhap, the single missile had to have flown to Ulleung Island before entering the Sea of Japan in international waters. Anti-aircraft sirens have been activated on the island, according to the South Korean general staff.
Island residents were asked to evacuate to the nearest shelter.
The missile launches come at the same time that South Korea and the United States are practicing together in what is called the “Vigilant Storm,” AFP writes. Hundreds of warplanes from both countries are taking part in the exercise.
Senior North Korean official Pak Jong Chon described the exercises as “aggressive and provocative”.
– North Korea appears to have launched its most aggressive and threatening demonstration against South Korea since 2010 following the drill, Sejong Institute researcher Cheong Seong-chang told AFP.
– It is a dangerous and unstable situation that can lead to armed conflict, he adds.
