02 Nov 2022 | 01:19 PM UTC
North Korea: Pyongyang launches at least 23 unidentified missiles toward Yellow Sea (West Sea) and Sea of Japan (East Sea) Nov. 2 /update 1
North Korea launches over 23 missiles toward Yellow Sea (West Sea) and Sea of Japan (East Sea) Nov. 2. No immediate reports of damage.
Event
North Korea reportedly fired at least 23 unidentified missiles off its east and west coasts toward the Yellow Sea (West Sea) and Sea of Japan (East Sea) Nov. 2. One of the missiles landed less than 60 km (37 miles) off South Korea's Sokcho and 167 km (104 miles) from Ulleungdo; authorities in Seoul issued an air raid siren and suspended air traffic around Ulleung until the morning of Nov. 3. South Korean authorities did not immediately specify the exact flight path or distance of the latest launches; officials believe at least a few were likely ballistic missiles. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in connection with the incidents.
Context
The recent series of launches are almost certainly intended to coincide with the joint military exercise Vigilant Storm between the US and South Korea that began Oct. 31. The tests prompted South Korean officials to fire three air-to-ground missiles toward the sea north across the Northern Limit Line, the disputed maritime border in the West Sea (Yellow Sea). On Nov. 2, Pyongyang also launched 100 rounds of artillery off its east coast toward the demilitarized zone. Additional North Korean provocations remain likely over the coming weeks. While former South Korean President Moon Jae-in adopted a conciliatory approach to North Korea, newly elected President Yoon Suk-yeol will likely take a tougher stance and possibly engage in retaliatory action should North Korea increase its posturing.
Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to the latest US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
