North Korea tested two short-range missiles in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday 7th October. The missiles were fired from boats in North Korean waters and landed harmlessly in international waters.
An affiliate with the South Korean administration stated on the 8th that “(The missiles appear to have been fired) as part of a conventional drill.”
According to the source, North Korea issued a ban on sailings in the West Sea ahead of firing the missiles. The missiles are presumed to be KN-02 with a range of 120 kilometers or surface to surface missiles (Styx) with a range of 46 kilometers.
The launch location was far from the NLL (Northern Limit Line) maritime border with South Korea.
This was the third launch of North Korean missiles this year. In March and May North Korea also launched short-range missiles harmlessly into the West Sea.
Meanwhile, the North is reportedly constructing a land-based launch site at Dongchang-ri, Cheolsan, North Pyongan Province. It is reported to be about 80% complete.
The South Korean military authorities are closely analyzing this launch. It is debatable whether it is a conventional drill or a tactic to pressure the U.S. in the midst of current nuclear negotiations.
