JCS: "North Korea Fires 2 Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles... Urges Suspension of Serious Provocations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Yuri] The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the morning of the 18th that the two missiles fired by North Korea were medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM).

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that from around 11:13 AM to 12:05 PM on the same day, they detected two MRBMs launched by North Korea from the Dongchang-ri area in North Pyongan Province toward the East Sea.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea's ballistic missiles were launched at a high angle, flew nearly 500 km, and landed in the East Sea. There is a possibility that these were test launches of a new MRBM equipped with a solid engine.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities explained, "Considering recent trends related to North Korea's missile development, we are conducting a comprehensive analysis," adding, "South Korea and the U.S. closely shared the situation immediately after North Korea's ballistic missile launch through joint coordination meetings and confirmed that they will further strengthen the combined defense posture against any threats and provocations from North Korea."

The Joint Chiefs of Staff defined North Korea's ballistic missile launches as a serious provocative act that undermines peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community, and a clear violation of the "UN Security Council resolutions." They strongly condemned the act and urged North Korea to stop immediately.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized, "Our military will maintain a firm readiness posture based on the capability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations from North Korea, while closely tracking and monitoring related developments in close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in preparation for any additional provocations from North Korea."

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