North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a multiple launch rocket system drill in Pyongyang, May 30, 2024, in this image from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA)
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — North Korea’s leader oversaw a “super-large” multiple launch rocket drill on Thursday, an act the United States, South Korea and Japan described as short-range ballistic missile testing.
Kim Jong Un supervised the drill that used 600mm artillery rockets to hit a maritime target 225 miles from Pyongyang, well within range of Seoul, according to a Friday report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
The drill aimed to ensure “the sovereignty and security of the state with powerful and overwhelming means of war,” the report said.
Photos released by KCNA show at least 18 launchers firing simultaneously as Kim watched.
South Korea’s military characterizes those rockets as short-range ballistic missiles due to their large, 600mm size compared to conventional artillery.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a multiple launch rocket system drill in Pyongyang, May 30, 2024, in this image from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA)
Seoul said at least 10 ballistic missiles were fired from Pyongyang at 6:14 a.m. Thursday that flew 217 miles before splashing down in the East Sea, better known as the Sea of Japan.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement Thursday saying the weapons used technology that violated U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from testing ballistic missiles.
“These launches continue [North Korea’s] reckless behavior, which poses a grave threat to the Korean Peninsula, the region, and international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation regime,” the statement said.
Thursday’s salvo came three days after Pyongyang attempted to place a military spy satellite in orbit. The rocket carrying the satellite — the communist regime’s fourth attempt in 12 months — failed shortly after takeoff and exploded over the Yellow Sea.
North Korea also floated around 260 balloons carrying bags of trash and manure over the Demilitarized Zone and into several South Korean provinces Wednesday. KCNA said they were a response to balloons regularly sent northward by South Korean human rights activists.
The activists frequently send balloons carrying money, food and household goods in hopes they’ll reach North Korean civilians.
Another 600 balloons carrying paper scraps, cigarette butts and other household trash were discovered south of the border late Saturday.
It is customary in South Korea that some government officials speak to the media on condition of anonymity.
