24-1-2024 (SEOUL) North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the waters off its west coast, further heightening tensions in the region following leader Kim Jong Un’s declaration to enhance the country’s nuclear-strike capabilities.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the launches occurred at approximately 7 am on Wednesday. The military is actively coordinating with its ally, the United States, to closely monitor any additional activities by North Korea. However, specific details regarding the missile launches have not been disclosed.
Earlier this month, North Korea conducted its first launch of 2024, firing an intermediate-range ballistic missile with the capability to target US bases in Asia. Pyongyang also criticized the joint naval exercises conducted by the US, South Korea, and Japan in international waters near the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea claimed that the previous launch involved a “hypersonic” ballistic missile, indicating the deployment of a re-entry vehicle capable of carrying a warhead and maneuvering at high speeds. The United States, South Korea, and Japan have stated that they are currently analyzing the details of the launch.
For decades, North Korea has strongly opposed joint military exercises, considering them a precursor to invasion and nuclear warfare. While the country is prohibited by United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions from testing ballistic missiles, there are no such restrictions on cruise missiles.
Unlike ballistic missiles that follow a high-speed, arched trajectory, cruise missiles travel at subsonic speeds and can fly at low altitudes. They possess maneuverability, making them challenging to detect and intercept.
