North Korea Fires Several Short-Range Ballistic Missiles

The South Korean military announced in a statement that North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles early Thursday morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea stated that 'approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles' were launched towards the waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The South Korean military added, 'These missiles flew a distance of about 350 kilometers.' According to the report, South Korea, the United States, and Japan are analyzing the details. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea specified in their statement that the launch of these missiles is a 'provocative act that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.' The Japanese Coast Guard and the Prime Minister's Office also confirmed North Korea's missile test and stated that they are examining the information. On Wednesday, North Korea sent hundreds of balloons carrying garbage, toilet paper, and animal waste to areas in South Korea. This action was in response to supporters of a campaign against the North Korean regime in South Korea, who have been sending balloons containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets towards the country. Additionally, North Korea launched a missile into space on Monday, believed to be carrying a military reconnaissance satellite. NHK, Japan's national media, reported, citing a government official, that the North Korean missile disappeared from radar screens and appears to have been an unsuccessful launch. The North Korean government claims it needs military reconnaissance satellites to strengthen its monitoring of military movements by South Korea and the United States.