North Korea launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. The launches follow warnings from North Korea to resume front-line propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy new weapons along the rivals’ tense border.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles were detected being fired from the North's eastern coastal town of Wonsan. Each missile traveled about 250 kilometers (155 miles). Japan's Defense Ministry also reported detecting a suspected ballistic missile launch by North Korea.
The missile launches occurred days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to China, the North's main ally and economic partner, where he sought greater cooperation. Kim's visit included a stop in Dandong, a Chinese border city, where he paid respects at a memorial for the Korean War. This marked his sixth visit to China since becoming leader in late 2011.
Animosity between the two Koreas has intensified since landmine explosions at the border last month injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused North Korea of planting the mines and demanded an apology, but Pyongyang has denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked. Last week, North Korea announced it would restart propaganda broadcasts and place new weapons systems on alert along the border in protest of what it called repeated warning shots by South Korean troops.
South Korea proposed talks to clarify the border and prevent accidental clashes, but North Korea has not responded. Recent observations by Associated Press journalists in a South Korean border town noted the presence of North Korean artillery guns on the opposite side of the border that were not previously visible.
In recent years, North Korea has fortified its border with mines, barbed-wire fences, and other defense structures as part of Kim's policy to sever ties with South Korea. Seoul has reported repeated border violations by North Korean troops, met with warning shots from the South Korean military, while North Korea denies these alleged breaches.
These launches are the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea in recent weeks, which have included submarine-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles. Analysts suggest these tests are intended to pressure the United States into making concessions, particularly as President Donald Trump has expressed interest in resuming diplomacy with Kim.