SEOUL, South Korea – The Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported on September 18 that the military detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) launched from North Korea in the direction of the northeast near the city of Gaechon in P’yongyang Province at approximately 6:50 a.m. local time.
The missiles, which flew approximately 400 kilometers, are believed to be similar to the Hwasong-11 (KN-23, North Korean version of the Iskander) short-range ballistic missiles that North Korea launched on July 1. On that day, North Korea launched two missiles, one of which flew over 600 kilometers and the other which landed after flying over 120 kilometers, ending the launch in failure. North Korea claimed that the test was of a Hwasong-11-4.5 missile capable of carrying a 4.5-ton super-heavy warhead.
The latest launch, also involving two or more SRBM, followed closely on the heels of North Korea’s disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility, which occurred just five days earlier. This marks the second time in six days that North Korea has initiated a ballistic missile provocation. On September 12, North Korea launched multiple ultra-large multiple-launch rocket systems (KN-25) towards the eastern sea.
Since May of this year, North Korea has also conducted 20 balloon launches over the South Korean territory, with nine of those occurring this month alone.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the military has strengthened tracking and surveillance and is sharing intelligence on North Korea’s missile launches with the United States and Japan, maintaining a high state of alert.
The missiles are believed to have been launched towards a small island in the East Sea, approximately 400 kilometers east of Gaechon in P’yongyang Province, which is home to a short-range missile target range. According to information from the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the missiles landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Following the July 1 launch, North Korea officially announced that it would conduct additional tests with a range of approximately 250 kilometers, but these tests did not occur as expected. Therefore, there is speculation that the latest launch may be a follow-up to these planned tests.
This development comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and raises concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. The international community has repeatedly called on North Korea to cease its missile tests and return to negotiations.
The United States, South Korea, and Japan have expressed solidarity in their response to North Korea’s latest provocation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional stability and security.
North Korea’s missile tests have been a source of concern for the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, which has imposed several rounds of sanctions on the country. Despite these measures, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear and missile programs.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments and urging North Korea to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful negotiations.
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