North Korea launched a projectile today toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea’s military. Japan’s government said Pyongyang may have fired a ballistic missile.
A series of tests have taken place this year, including short range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and other tactical weapons designed to strengthen the isolated country’s military capabilities. The most recently confirmed test, in late June, involved an upgraded 240 millimeter multiple rocket launch system, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155 millimeter self propelled howitzer, according to North Korea’s state news agency KCNA.
North Korea Accuses Japan of Turning Into a “Warmongering State”
According to the Athens Macedonian News Agency, today’s launch comes a day after Pyongyang leveled accusations at Japan, claiming it is turning into a “warmongering state” as Tokyo strengthens its military presence in the Pacific.
In the preface to Japan’s annual defense white paper, released on Tuesday, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said it is imperative for Japan to further strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said on Wednesday that North Korea’s leadership will implement additional military measures that are clearly a response to Japan’s transformation, in a statement carried by the state news agency KCNA.
