North Korea launches short-range missiles, escalating tensions after uranium facility revelation

North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward the northeast on September 18, according to South Korea's military, heightening tensions following the country's recent and rare disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that the missiles were launched at around 6:50 a.m. from the Kaechon region in South Phyongan Province, situated north of Pyongyang, and travelled approximately 400 kilometres, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

No additional details were provided regarding the number of missiles or their landing sites. In response, the presidential office convened a meeting chaired by Yin Sung-hwan, the second deputy national security adviser, to assess the situation and evaluate the security risks.

"We strongly denounce North Korea's missile launches, which are blatant provocations that pose a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the JCS stated in a message to the press.

This latest development follows North Korea's revelation of its uranium-based nuclear facility on September 13, just a day after it fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea.

Notably, on September 12, Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of a new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher that has been designed with improved performance "as required by the army's application of operation."

In particular, it features an improved chassis, and its "whole process of firepower is fully automated."

The trials included "the driving test and volley test."

The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that several projectiles, presumed to be ballistic missiles, were launched from North Korea in the early hours of September 12. At least two of these projectiles covered a distance of 350 km, reaching a maximum altitude of 100 km.