North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, as the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un warned US forces to halt military drills, saying the reclusive nuclear state could turn the Pacific into a "firing range".
A Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile is launched at Pyongyang International Airport, in Pyongyang, North Korea February 18, 2023 in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency . KCNA via REUTERS
"The 600mm multiple rocket launcher mobilized in the firing... is a means of tactical nuclear weapon," capable of "paralyzing" an enemy airfield, state news agency KCNA said. "We will maintain solid readiness posture based on security cooperation with the United States and Japan and our ability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations by North Korea," it said in a statement.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged Pyongyang to "immediately desist from taking any further provocative actions" banned under Security Council resolutions, and resume denuclearization dialogue.North Korean leader Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned against increased presence of US strategic assets following the joint air drills with its Asian allies over the weekend.
"Tension on the peninsula is likely to reach its peak in coming months as North Korea is accelerating its military actions with higher frequency, and her statement indicates that it would continue impromptu missile tests using the Pacific as its shooting range," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
North Korea fires ballistic missiles, warns of turning Pacific into 'firing range'North Korea's state media confirms it fired two projectiles from a multiple rocket launcher, aiming at targets 395 kilometers and 337 kilometers away, respectively.
Read more »
North Korea fires ballistic missile before US-South Korea drills(2nd UPDATE) The firing comes after North Korea threatened an 'unprecedentedly persistent, strong' response as South Korea and the United States gear up for annual military exercises
Read more »
North Korea fires ‘long-range’ ballistic missile, Seoul saysNorth Korea fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile, South Korea’s military said, which is Pyongyang’s first test in seven weeks that comes days before Seoul and Washington are due to start joint tabletop exercises. | AFP
Read more »
North Korea fires 'long-range' ballistic missile, Seoul saysNorth Korea fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile Saturday, South Korea&39;s military said, Pyongyang&39;s first test in seven weeks that comes days before Seoul and Washington are due to start joint tabletop exercises.
Read more »
North Korea fires 'long-range' ballistic missile, Seoul saysNorth Korea fired a suspected long-range ballistic missile Saturday, South Korea’s military said, Pyongyang’s first test in seven weeks that comes days before Seoul and Washington are due to start joint tabletop exercises.
Read more »
North Korea fires unspecified ballistic missile –SeoulNorth Korea fired at least one unspecified ballistic missile Saturday, South Korea&39;s military said, Pyongyang&39;s first test since the start of the year that comes days before Seoul and Washington are due to start joint tabletop exercises.
Read more »