Days after rocket launcher test
North Korea fires several cruise missiles
February 14, 2024, 8:29 a.m
The North Korean military is testing several missiles again. The regime tested a rocket launcher last week and spoke of a “qualitative turnaround” in its defense capabilities.
According to South Korean information, North Korea fired cruise missiles from the country’s east coast. The South Korean army discovered “several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast” of the North Korean port city of Wonsan this morning, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. South Korean and US intelligence agencies are “conducting a detailed analysis.” In addition, “surveillance” will be increased.
North Korea said on Monday it had tested a new missile launcher control system that is expected to lead to a “qualitative turnaround” in its defense capabilities. After the test carried out on Saturday, the new rocket launcher should now be “re-evaluated” and its role on the battlefield “expanded”, reported the state news agency KCNA.
North Korea has recently increased its rhetoric against its neighbor South Korea and named Seoul its “main enemy.” Authorities for reunification and rapprochement with South Korea were closed and war was threatened in the event of the smallest territorial violations. Leader Kim Jong Un reiterated on Friday that Pyongyang will not hesitate to “put an end” to South Korea in the event of an attack. Last week, North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly voted to revoke all agreements signed with South Korea to promote economic cooperation. At the same time, the People’s Assembly voted to abolish all laws regulating existing economic relations with Seoul.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a strong response in the event of an attack from North Korea, ordering the military to “act first, report later.” Yoon has expanded military cooperation with the USA and Japan, for example by expanding joint maneuvers.