North Korea conducted the firing of multiple cruise missiles off its eastern coast on Sunday, marking its second such launch in less than a week, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The JCS reported that the missiles were launched around 8 a.m. (2300 GMT on Saturday) and are currently under scrutiny by South Korean and US intelligence agencies. However, the exact number of missiles fired was not specified by the JCS.
In a statement, the JCS mentioned that while enhancing surveillance and vigilance, its military is closely collaborating with the United States and monitoring additional signals and activities emanating from North Korea.
These recent launches follow North Korea's firing of what it termed as a new strategic cruise missile dubbed "Pulhwasal-3-31", indicating potential nuclear capabilities.
Although North Korea's actions are escalating tensions with the United States and its allies, officials in Washington and Seoul have not observed any indications suggesting Pyongyang's intention to engage in immediate military aggression.
Experts and officials anticipate that Kim Jong Un's regime may continue or escalate provocative measures following advancements in ballistic missile technology, enhanced cooperation with Russia, and the abandonment of its longstanding goal of peaceful reunification with South Korea.
Earlier on Sunday, North Korea's state media KCNA condemned a series of military exercises conducted by US and South Korean forces in recent weeks, cautioning of severe consequences.
The KCNA dispatch asserted, "The relentless conduct of nuclear war exercises against our republic has been rampant since the onset of the New Year, necessitating full readiness for a potentially deadly conflict."
North Korea previously tested a cruise missile with potential nuclear strike capabilities in September 2021.
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