Seoul: ‘Pyongyang launches ballistic missiles for the first time in months’

Seoul (South Korea), 22 October (LaPresse/AP) – North Korea has conducted its first ballistic missile tests in five months, just days before the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and other leaders in South Korea. The South Korean military said it detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched from an area south of Pyongyang and flying about 350 kilometres northeast. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff did not release more specific details about the flight, but said the missiles did not fall into the sea. The Joint Chiefs added that the South Korean military remains ready to repel any provocation from North Korea thanks to its strong military alliance with the United States. Wednesday’s ballistic missile launches by North Korea were the first of their kind since 8 May, when the country tested short-range systems simulating nuclear counterattacks against US and South Korean forces. Experts had previously said that North Korea could conduct provocative missile tests before or during the APEC summit to underscore its commitment to gaining recognition as a nuclear-armed state.