North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Towards Sea Of Japan

North Korea launched suspected ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday in apparent weapons tests, Tokyo’s defence Ministry said.

South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it detected the launch of at least one unidentified projectile off North Korea’s East Coast.

AFP reports that the test is North Korea’s second of the month, following missiles fired hours before South Korea’s leader headed to China for a summit.

According to analysts, this drive is aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States as well as South Korea, and testing weapons before potentially exporting them to Russia.

North Korea is also set to hold a landmark congress of its ruling party in the coming weeks, its first in five years.

Ahead of that conclave, its leader Kim Jong Un ordered the “expansion” and modernisation of the country’s missile production.