North Korea fired an alleged ballistic missile into its eastern waters on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said a few days after North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un promised to strengthen his nuclear arsenal “as quickly as possible” and threatened to use nuclear weapons. weapons against other countries.
The launch, the North’s 14th round of gunfire, also came six days before South Korea’s new president takes office for a single five-year term.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea said the launch took place off the east coast of North Korea, but did not provide further details.
Japan’s defense ministry said North Korea had launched a possible ballistic missile without providing further details.
North Korea’s accelerated pace of arms testing this year underscores its dual goal of improving its missile programs and putting pressure on Washington over a deepening freeze on nuclear talks, experts say.
There are also signs that the North is preparing for a nuclear test at its remote northeastern test facility.
Last week, Kim unveiled his most powerful missiles during a massive military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where he vowed to develop his arsenal at “the fastest possible pace” and warned that the North would actively use its nuclear weapons if its national interests endangered.
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