North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles into East Sea

By Kim Hee-su Posted : May 8, 2025, 14:39 Updated : May 8, 2025, 14:43
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a factory in Pyongyang on May 7 2025 in this photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency the following day Yonhap
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, wearing a leather jacket, inspects a factory in Pyongyang on May 7, 2025, in this photo released by the official [North] Korean Central News Agency the following day. Yonhap
SEOUL, May 8 (AJP) - North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Thursday, according to military authorities here.

The missiles were launched from the North's eastern coastal city of Wonsan at around 8:10 a.m.

"We detected signs of the launch and closely monitored the situation," the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. "We have also heightened surveillance in preparation for possible additional launches, maintaining close coordination with intelligence agencies from the U.S. and Japan."

Thursday's launch came shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected several facilities including visits to factories producing artillery and tanks last week.

The North has conducted four ballistic missile launches so far this year including an intermediate-range hypersonic missile in January, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) about a week later, and a close-range ballistic missile (CRBM) with a slightly shorter range than an SRBM in March.

The renegade country seems to opt for minor provocations with short-range missiles rather than long-range ones, in an apparent move to draw U.S. attention without provoking it. However, some pundits speculate that these missile launches may be linked to its weapons exports to Russia amid their deepening military ties.
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