[3rd Report] JCS: "Two Ballistic Missiles Presumed Launched in Hamgyeongnam-do Area"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the East Sea on the 25th.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "North Korea fired two unidentified projectiles from the area around South Hamgyong Province in the morning, and the South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of the missile specifications and range based on additional information."

Some military circles suggest the possibility of a ballistic missile launch. If this is indeed the first ballistic missile launch since the Biden administration took office, it would be the first in about a year since North Korea claimed to have fired a 'super-large multiple rocket launcher' from Wonsan, Gangwon Province on March 29 last year. Furthermore, ballistic missiles violate UN Security Council sanctions regardless of their range.

Earlier, the Japan Coast Guard also announced around 7:09 a.m. that day that "something possibly a ballistic missile was launched from North Korea," according to foreign media reports.

Unlike the cruise missile reportedly launched by North Korea on the 21st, ballistic missiles violate UN Security Council resolutions, drawing attention to the international community's response, including the United States.

It has not yet been confirmed whether North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un observed this missile launch. Based on past reporting practices of North Korean media, if Chairman Kim observed the launch, it is expected to be reported the following day, on the 26th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.