North Korea fires about 10 missiles as Kim says 'power is peace'
The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area and flew about 250 kilometres. Pyongyang also showed drone drills against mock-ups of South Korean posts. Seoul says UN resolutions were violated.
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North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area towards the Sea of Japan on Thursday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The missiles flew about 250 kilometres. Japan's Defense Ministry also detected a suspected ballistic missile launch, with no impact confirmed in Japan's exclusive economic zone. By Yonhap's count, it was North Korea's 17th ballistic missile launch this year.
State news agency KCNA reported on Friday that leader Kim Jong Un attended an unmanned technology exhibition at which drones hit targets with "100% accuracy". It also showcased 600mm multiple rocket launchers, including an ultra-precision launcher called "Sniper". Photos showed strikes on mock-ups presumed to represent South Korean border guard posts and US tanks. "Power is peace and peace can only be guaranteed by strength," state TV quoted Kim as saying.
Seoul's National Security Office held an emergency meeting and said the launches violated UN Security Council resolutions. Tensions have risen since September, when land mines at the border wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul has proposed talks to clarify the border, but Pyongyang has not responded. Experts say North Korea is seeking to pressure the US into bigger concessions.