North Korea Launches Dozen Rockets Amid Rising Tensions

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea launched more than a dozen rockets on Thursday morning, sparking concern from both South Korea and the United States. The launches took place around 10 a.m. local time from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Defense.

The ministry reported that Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are currently analyzing the launches. In their statement, they emphasized that South Korea’s military is prepared to respond decisively to any provocation while monitoring trends in North Korea closely.

Reports indicate that the rockets were fired into the Yellow Sea, known as the West Sea in South Korea. Yonhap news agency cited government sources stating that approximately 10 artillery rounds were fired from near Pyongyang. This suggests that while it was a significant activity, it is seen as regular testing rather than an aggressive act.

Military officials noted that the launcher involved is believed to be a 240mm variant, contrasting with North Korea’s larger 600mm ballistic missiles. An unnamed official stated that because this was not a ballistic missile launch, there was no official announcement.

Experts are investigating whether the launcher is a new model revealed in 2024, indicating advancements in North Korea’s military technology. This comes as part of a broader series of military activities following a joint aerial drill by Japan, the U.S., and South Korea, aimed at enhancing cooperation in response to North Korean threats.

In related news, Russian media reported plans for North Korea to send military workers to aid in reconstruction efforts in Russia’s Kursk region. The Russian state agency RIA Novosti quoted security chief Sergei Shoigu, stating that North Korea will send 1,000 mine-clearing experts and 5,000 military construction workers.

As tensions in the region continue, South Korea’s new government under President Lee Jae-myung has taken steps to ease relations with the North, including suspending frontline propaganda broadcasts. The impact of these moves on future North Korean military activities remains to be seen.