North Korea fires several cruise missiles off east coast

Experts speculate Pyongyang is testing weapons meant for Russia’s use in Ukraine

SEOUL North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles on Feb 14, Seoul’s military said, part of a string of weapon tests in 2024 that has accompanied increasingly aggressive rhetoric from leader Kim Jong Un.

So far in 2024, Mr Kim has declared South Korea his country’s principal enemy”, jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over even 0.001mm” of territorial infringement.

Pyongyang has also ramped up weapon tests, including cruise missiles, an underwater nuclear weapon system” and a solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile.

“Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters north-east of Wonsan around 9am today and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

They added that the military was strengthening surveillance and vigilance, and closely watching for any additional signs and activities from North Korea”.

Earlier this week, North Korea announced it had tested a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher that it said would have an increased” battlefield role.