North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles towards the sea off its west coast on Wednesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
The missiles were fired at around 7 a.m. (2200 GMT on Tuesday) and were being analysed by South Korean and U.S. intelligence, the JCS said in a statement.
It did not specify how many missiles were fired but said further activities by the nuclear-armed North were being monitored.
Tensions have spiked on the Korean peninsula following intensifying military manoeuvres by the South Korean and U.S. militaries in response to weapons testing by the North
The latest firing of missiles comes after Pyongyang said it tested a solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate-range earlier this month in a move that was condemned by the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Pyongyang said it tested a solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate-range earlier this month in a move that was condemned by the United States, South Korea and Japan.
The North’s state media also said last week the country conducted a test of its nuclear-capable underwater attack drones, in a protest against joint military drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan.
The isolated North has also demolished a major monument in its capital that symbolized the goal of reconciliation with South Korea on the orders of leader Kim, who last week called the rival a “primary foe” and said unification was no longer possible.
Satellite imagery of Pyongyang on Tuesday showed that the monument, an arch symbolizing hopes for Korean reunification which was completed after a landmark inter-Korea summit in 2000, was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea.
Reuters could not independently confirm that the monument, known informally as the Arch of Reunification, had been demolished.
