“Closer Than Ever” – North Korea Fires Several Missiles At South Korea

An air raid siren has been issued on the South Korean island of Ulleung in the Sea of ​​Japan, which is relatively rare. South Korea spoke of a territorial attack. The US, South Korea’s closest ally, condemned the missile launch. Russia called on both Korean states to exercise restraint. China said it is in everyone’s interest to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

A Missile Crossed Disputed Sea Borders
According to Seoul, one of the missiles has crossed the disputed sea border between North and South Korea. In response, the South Korean military fired three air-to-ground missiles from fighter jets in the open sea north of the maritime border between the two countries.

South Korea: “Closer than ever”
According to South Korea, one of the North Korean missiles has come “closer than ever” to South Korean territorial waters since the end of the Korean War in 1953. It landed just 57 kilometers east of the South Korean mainland. This circumstance is “very rare and unacceptable” and it is a matter of “actual encroachment” by North Korea on South Korean territory, Seoul said.

However, the government in Pyongyang said the joint US and South Korean military air exercises currently underway are preparations for a possible invasion. Hundreds of fighters from both countries are involved in the maneuver. Pyongyang warned that both countries would pay dearly if they attacked the north.

Record number of missile tests this year
North Korea has already conducted a record number of missile tests this year, most recently last Friday. UN resolutions even prohibit the country from testing ballistic missiles, which – depending on the design – can also carry a nuclear warhead.