01 Jul 2024 | 04:32 AM UTC
North Korea: Pyongyang reportedly launches ballistic missiles early morning of July 1 /update 1
North Korea reportedly launches ballistic missiles northeastward from Jangyeon in South Hwanghae Province July 1. No reports of damage.
North Korea has reportedly launched two ballistic missiles northeastward from Jangyeon in South Hwanghae Province early July 1. According to South Korean officials, North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile that flew around 600 km (373 miles) at around 05:05 and another ballistic missile that flew around 120 km (75 miles) at approximately 05:15. South Korean authorities stated that the first missile landed in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) off the coast of Chongjin City, while the second missile could have flown abnormally and blown up inland.
There have been no reports of damage, casualties, or transport disruptions following the launches. Additional projectile launches are possible over the coming weeks.
North Korea has conducted a series of ballistic and cruise missile tests, with the most recent launch on June 26. The launches come in the wake of the "Freedom Edge" trilateral military exercise involving the US, South Korea, and Japan that took place June 27-29, which North Korea strongly criticized. The latest launch also occurred amid increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia following the signing of a defense pact in June that includes a commitment to provide military assistance in the event of an attack on either country.
Against the backdrop of the upcoming US presidential election on Nov. 5, North Korea will likely increase the frequency of its projectile launches and missile tests over the coming months. South Korean officials have also noted the possibility of localized provocation by Pyongyang on the border islands of South Korea. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
