SEOUL: North Korea has fired multiple ballistic missiles in its first such launch for several months.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of several projectiles believed to be short-range ballistic missiles.
The missiles were launched from the Junghwa area in North Hwanghae Province around 8:10 am local time on Wednesday.
This marks the first missile launch since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung assumed office in June.
The timing comes just one week before world leaders including US President Donald Trump gather in South Korea for a summit.
Trump has previously expressed hope to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again this year.
North Korean state media has indicated Kim’s openness to future talks with certain conditions.
Pyongyang demands that the United States abandon its “delusional” insistence on denuclearisation.
North Korea recently showcased what it called its “most powerful” intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade.
The new Hwasong-20 missile’s strike range reportedly “knows no bounds” according to Pyongyang.
Kim oversaw a solid-fuel engine test for long-range nuclear missiles in September.
State media described this as the ninth and final engine test before a full ICBM test.
North Korea has conducted numerous test flights of long-range missiles claimed to reach the US mainland.
The country has developed solid-fuel missiles that are easier to mobilise and conceal.
US demands for denuclearisation remain a major sticking point in bilateral relations.
Pyongyang faces multiple rounds of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.
North Korea consistently maintains it will not surrender its nuclear arsenal.
The country has been strengthening ties with traditional partners China and Russia.
Recent indications suggest renewed openness to dialogue with the United States.
Kim and Trump held three high-profile summits during the US leader’s first term.
Their 2019 Hanoi talks collapsed over disagreements about nuclear concessions.
Kim stated in September that he had “fond memories” of Trump and remained open to meeting.
He conditioned future meetings on the US abandoning its denuclearisation demands.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on October 29 for the APEC Forum. – AFP
