Defense

South Korean military: North Korea fired unidentified projectiles

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North Korea’s military launched three unidentified projectiles, South Korea’s military said early Monday morning local time.

CNBC first reported the statement from South Korea’s military. It was unclear where the launches occurred, but a statement from South Korea’s defense ministry obtained by CNN stated that three projectiles had been fired towards the Sea of Japan, where previous weapons tests have occurred.

“Our military detected three unidentified projectiles fired this morning from the Sondok area in Hamgyong Province, North Korea, toward northeast, toward the East Sea,” the South Korea Defense Ministry said, according to CNN.

“Currently, our military is monitoring related movement in case of additional launch and is maintaining preparedness,” the ministry added.

Two U.S. officials told the news network that the launches had not caught U.S. forces by surprise.

“We are aware of a North Korean missile launch this morning into the East Sea, will continue to monitor the situation and are consulting closely with our South Korean and Japanese allies,” U.S. Forces Korea said.

North Korea had previously suspended weapons tests amid negotiations with President Trump and the U.S., though those talks have stalled in recent months.

Updated: 10:25 p.m.

Tags Donald Trump North Korea North Korea and weapons of mass destruction North Korea–United States relations

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