Japanese Defense Minister: "At least two of the projectiles launched by North Korea are short-range ballistic missiles"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono stated that at least two short-range ballistic missiles were included among the projectiles launched by North Korea, according to a report by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 10th.

According to the report, Defense Minister Kono said this during a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the same day. He added that multiple rocket launchers were also fired and that the missiles flew at a lower altitude compared to the trajectory of the Scud missiles North Korea already possesses.

Defense Minister Kono said, "The threat is increasing," and stated that he lodged a protest with North Korea through the embassy in Beijing. Regarding the purpose of North Korea's projectile test conducted the previous day, just a week after the last one, Kono said, "Various possibilities can be considered, such as fostering internal unity."

He also mentioned the possibility of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) within North Korea, saying, "We are trying to analyze how it is spreading," and revealed that he ordered an investigation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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