North Korea launched suspected short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, according to South Korean officials. The weapons were launched near Pyongyang and flew approximately 185 miles before falling in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The launches occurred amidst speculation that North Korea might launch a banned satellite into orbit, possibly on the April 25 founding anniversary of the North's military.
The ranges of the missiles suggest they could target sites in South Korea, prompting strong condemnation from Seoul. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff labeled the launches as a 'clear provocation' that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and stated readiness to retaliate against North Korean provocations.
