The rogue state has maintained regular weapons tests this year, despite concerns over coronavirus and ongoing talks with the U.S.
The tests come as North Korea prepares to celebrate the 108th birthday of founder Kim Il Sung, grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un. The launches also appear timed to coincide with South Korea's general election, which will take place Wednesday.
Tuesday's firings mark the fifth round of tests since the start of this year, four of which took place in March. Kim has maintained such tests over the past year even as denuclearization and sanctions relief talks with the U.S. have floundered. Still, Kim has refrained from testing nuclear weapons or intercontinental ballistic missiles since the 2018 thaw in relations with Washington and Seoul.
South Korea has criticized Kim for recent tests given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, branding one March launch"inappropriate." North Korea maintains it hasof the COVID-19 coronavirus, but observers are skeptical and have warned that the pandemic could wreak havoc on the North's under-resourced medical system and vulnerable population.
A JCS officer suggested that the recent uptick in Northern weapons tests could be a result of COVID-19."North Korea has been active in launching military activities recently, which could aim to make up for wintertime drills which had not been fully staged due to the coronavirus," the JCS officer explained, according to Yonhap.
This file photo shows a man watching a television news broadcast showing file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea on April 14, 2020.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
North Korea Test-Fires Short-Range MissilesThe weapons test was Pyongyang’s fifth of the year and took place a day before the country’s holiday commemorating founder Kim Il Sung and a South Korean national election.
Read more »
Bono begs South Korea President Moon Jae-in to help Ireland overcome coronavirusThe U2 frontman is desperate for his country to kick Covid-19 into touch and after pledging €10 million for protective equipment for medics he has now called in a big favour
Read more »
South Korea reports more recovered coronavirus patients testing positive againSouth Korea reported on Monday that at least 116 people initially cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again, although officials suggested they would soon look at easing strict recommendations aimed at preventing new outbreaks.
Read more »
Trump Reportedly Ordered 600,000 Coronavirus Tests From South Korea As Pressure Mounts To Reopen EconomySouth Korea has been praised for its efficiency in dealing with coronavirus.
Read more »
South Korea sees rise in 'reactivated' coronavirus patients who were initially cured of virus'A study into how immunity is developed after COVID-19 infection is still ongoing,' Jeong Eun-Kyeong, the director of Korea's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
Read more »
Trump Reportedly Ordered 600,000 Coronavirus Tests From South Korea As Pressure Mounts To Reopen EconomyPresident Trump reportedly ordered 600,000 COVID-19 tests from South Korea in late March, as he faces mounting pressure to reopen the economy by lisettevoytko
Read more »