SEOUL: According to the South Korean military, North Korea has fired several cruise missiles towards the open sea, reported German news agency (dpa).
The missiles were detected on Wednesday morning and crashed into the sea between the Korean peninsula and China, according to the General Staff in Seoul. Further details are still being analysed in cooperation with the US.
North Korea, a self-proclaimed nuclear power, is subject to international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile programme. In contrast to ballistic missiles, tests of cruise missiles are not affected by the United Nations ban on the largely isolated country.
However, such weapons can also be used for the deployment of nuclear warheads. Unlike ballistic missiles, guided missiles have their own permanent propulsion system.
Tensions are currently growing in the region. Over the past two years, North Korea has significantly increased its missile and guided missile tests, and stepped up its rhetoric against the governments in South Korea and the US.
Leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly called for increased preparations for war. The US and South Korea, which North Korea regards as its main enemies, have expanded their military co-operation, including joint military exercises. -- BERNAMA