North Korea fires multiple short-range missiles, rockets

North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles and artillery rockets toward the Yellow Sea on May 26, according to South Korea’s military, amid speculation over a possible upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launches from the Jongju area in North Phyongan Province at around 1 p.m., without providing further technical details, Yonhap reports.

The missiles flew about 80 kilometres before landing in the sea, the JCS said, adding that it is analysing the specifications of the launch in coordination with the United States.

Close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) are defined as missiles with ranges of less than 300 kilometres.

The JCS said North Korea launched a mix of weapons, including CRBMs and shells from multiple rocket launchers, in what appeared to be a rare combined firing exercise. It also suggested that “suicide drones” may have been involved.

“We have stepped up surveillance and monitoring in preparation for possible additional launches and are closely sharing related information with the United States and Japan while maintaining a full readiness posture,” the JCS said.

The launch comes amid speculation that Xi Jinping could visit North Korea late this month or early next month. Xi recently held summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month.

The latest firing marks North Korea’s eighth ballistic missile launch so far this year. The country last launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on April 19.

Earlier in April, North Korea also test-fired strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles from a destroyer during exercises overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.

Earlier, it was reported that North Korea launched at least one unidentified projectile toward the Yellow Sea on May 26.

By Sabina Mammadli