South Korea places military on high alert after wave of missile launches from Pyongyang

SEOUL, April 19 — North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea’s military said, marking the latest in a series of recent weapons launches by the nuclear-armed state.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said several unidentified ballistic missiles were detected launched from the Sinpo area towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, around 6.10am local time.

It said the military has strengthened surveillance and readiness in anticipation of further possible launches.

North Korea has conducted multiple weapons tests in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles and cluster munitions.

Earlier this month, leader Kim Jong Un oversaw cruise missile tests from a naval vessel, with state media releasing images of him observing the launches alongside senior officials.

Analysts say the recent activity reflects Pyongyang’s continued rejection of South Korea’s attempts to improve relations.

Tensions have also been fuelled by North Korean criticism of Seoul, including renewed accusations branding the South as its “most hostile enemy state.” — AFP