AFP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
North Korea has fired more ballistic missiles in an easterly direction. According to the South Korean military, three missiles were sent out to sea east of the Korean peninsula.
The missiles were fired not far from Pyongyang. Japan also confirms the launch: according to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the missiles had a range of 350 kilometres. South Korea speaks of a “serious provocation” by Pyongyang.
On Monday, South Korea accused neighboring North Korea of flying five drones into South Korean airspace. One of those drones even landed in the capital Seoul, about 50 kilometers from the border with North Korea.
The country then fired warning shots and sent fighter planes and attack helicopters into the air. The South Korean military has failed to shoot down the drones. It was the first time in five years that North Korean drones had been spotted on the southern side of the border.
70 missiles fired
North Korea has already launched about 70 ballistic missiles this year, including one ICBM. According to Pyongyang, it could reach the American mainland. Despite sanctions from the international community, the country continues to put to the test.
In October, Pyongyang said the missile launches were intended to simulate an attack on South Korea with tactical nuclear weapons. The countries were at war from 1950 to 1953, which ended in a ceasefire. An official peace treaty has never been signed.
