The military of South Korea on Sunday said that North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the ocean off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea launched ballistic missiles, according to Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino, which appeared to have touched down outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, the missiles had a range of 250 km (53 miles) and reached an altitude of 550 km (342 miles).
The North recently tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine that experts said would enable the quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles as it seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and accelerate its nuclear and missile programs.
North conducted another test of the engine days before launching its missile.
According to the official KCNA news agency on Friday, the test, which was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was carried out on Thursday at the country’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, which has been used to test rocket engines and space launch vehicles for missiles.
Despite international restrictions and penalties, North Korea has tested a record number of missiles this year, including an ICBM that can reach the US mainland.
North Korea tested an ICMB in November that, according to Japanese officials, had a long enough range to reach the United States mainland and landed just 200 kilometres (130 miles) off Japan.
