North Korea launches multiple cruise missiles

North Korea launches multiple cruise missiles on Sunday, part of heightened weapons testing, including trials for a new generation of strategic cruise missiles.

North Korea conducted the firing of multiple cruise missiles Sunday, as reported by Seoul’s military.

This action follows a recent launch toward the Yellow Sea, described by Pyongyang as a trial for a new generation of strategic cruise missiles.

In the new year, North Korea has intensified weapons testing, including an “underwater nuclear weapon system” and a solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile.

“Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea’s Sinpo area at 8:00 a.m. (2300 GMT) today,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The launch is under scrutiny by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities, with ongoing monitoring of North Korea’s activities.

Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missile testing is not prohibited under current U.N. sanctions. Cruise missiles, being jet-propelled and flying at lower altitudes, pose challenges for detection and interception.

Earlier in the week, North Korea announced the first test of its new strategic cruise missile, the Pulhwasal-3-31, emphasizing it as a routine and necessary activity for updating its weapon systems.

Tensions have heightened in recent months, leading to a deterioration in relations between North and South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the South as the country’s “principal enemy,” escalating military activities and threatening conflict over territorial matters. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol affirmed a robust response to any North Korean provocation.

These developments follow North Korea’s launch of a solid-fuel hypersonic missile in January, coupled with live-fire exercises and military threats.

Kim’s warning of a nuclear attack on the South and a military buildup emphasize the fragile state of the region.