North Korea has filed multiple cruise missiles off its east coast, the AFP reported.
“Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 1200 GMT and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis,” the South Korea government said in a statement.
“Strengthening surveillance and vigilance, and closely watching for any additional signs and activities from North Korea,” the statement added.
This comes a day after North Korea announced that it has developed a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher.
Over the past few months, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has upped his ante with moves aimed at flaunting its military might including doing more missile tests, tearing down a monument in Pyongyang that symbolised the hopes of unification among others.
Earlier, he has said that Pyongyang has the legal right to annihilate South Korea. The remarks came at the anniversary of the founding of North Korea’s military on February 8
Describing Seoul as “enemy No.1,” Kim said that he would never hold dialogue or negotiations with South Korea and that the only way there can be lasting peace in the region is when the powerful military in the North is ready for any eventuality.
The South Korean government led by Yoon Suk Yeol believes that North Korea will be trying to raise its profile ahead of elections which are due in April this year.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a strong response if Pyongyang attacks, calling on his military to “act first, report later” if provoked.
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, which backs military cooperation with the US and a tough stance towards the North, is trying to win against the opposition Democratic Party.
Experts believe that Kim is trying to push Seoul out of the way and force direct negotiations with Washington.
Over the past few months, North Korea and Russia have strengthened their relations with North Korea’s economy benefiting from an arms deal with Russia. The agreement includes the transfer of shells and ballistic missiles, enhancing Pyongyang’s financial stability.
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