N. Korea launches 30 short-range rockets into sea, South says

N. Korea launches 30 short-range rockets into sea, South says

PanARMENIAN.Net - North Korea launched 30 short-range rockets into the sea off its east coast Saturday, March 22, South Korea said, in the latest in a series of apparent protests against ongoing U.S.-South Korean military drills, according to the Associated Press.

Such short-range launches are normally seen as routine, but there have been an unusual number this year coinciding with the annual, routine war drills by Washington and Seoul that North Korea claims are invasion preparation. Analysts say the impoverished North chafes against the annual drills because it has to spend precious resources responding with its own exercises. As part of those drills, about 13,000 U.S. and South Korean forces on Thursday were to begin a series of amphibious landings.

Maj. Kim Nam-wook of the South Korean Defense Ministry said the North Korean rockets flew about 60 kilometers (37 miles) early Saturday morning. It wasn't immediately clear what kind of rockets were fired.

After international condemnation of its third nuclear test last year, North Korea responded to the drills with threats of nuclear war against the South and the United States. It has toned down its rhetoric this year. Analysts say that's because it believes better ties with Seoul might win it much-needed aid and outside investment to help its crumbling economy.

A week ago, North Korea launched 25 rockets with a range of about 70 kilometers (44 miles), South Korea said, and earlier this month a North Korean artillery launch happened minutes before a Chinese commercial plane reportedly carrying 202 people flew in the same area.

Pyongyang has said that its recent rocket drills are part of regular training and that officials are mindful of international navigation.

The Korean Peninsula remains officially at war because the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Related links:
 Top stories
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
---