North Korea test fires eight short-range ballistic missiles in latest show of force

North Korea test-fired eight short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea’s military reported.

According to reports, the test lasted 35 minutes. The missiles were launched from several sites including the Sunan area, near to Pyongyang.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said: “North Korea’s continued launch of ballistic missiles is a serious provocation that harms peace and stability of not only the Korean peninsula but also the international community.”

They also called for the state to immediately stop any further provocations after nearly 20 similar tests have been launched this year.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol also convened a National Security Council meeting and ordered “expanded deterrence of South Korea and the United States and continued reinforcement of a united defence posture”.