North Korea launched multiple cruise missiles from its east coast.

South Korea did not specify how many missiles were launched but said it had increased surveillance and vigilance and was working with the U.S. to analyze the latest launch.

Earlier, on January 24, North Korea announced that it had tested a new strategic cruise missile called "Pulhwasal-3-31." This missile is still under development, and the test was part of an ongoing update to its weapons systems.

A North Korean weapons launch. (Photo: KCNA)

North Korean state news agency KCNA emphasized that the missile test on January 24th was "unrelated" to the regional situation and did not affect the security of neighboring countries. Meanwhile, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik condemned the launch by North Korea, calling it a serious threat.

North Korea also test-fired a solid-fuel, medium-range hypersonic missile on January 14. The launch was aimed at testing the reliability of a new multi-stage, high-thrust solid-fuel engine and a maneuverable, medium-range hypersonic warhead.

North Korean cruise missiles generally receive less attention than ballistic missiles because United Nations Security Council resolutions do not explicitly mention banning this type of missile from Pyongyang.

However, analysts argue that medium-range ground-attack cruise missiles pose a threat no less significant than ballistic missiles. Cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles, which can be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads, are considered particularly destabilizing in the event of conflict because it is unclear what type of warhead they carry.

The missile launch took place a few days after Pyongyang announced it had conducted an underwater nuclear weapons system test in response to joint military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

Amidst rising tensions, officials in Washington and Seoul said they have not seen any signs that Pyongyang intends to take military action.

Nevertheless, officials and analysts say North Korea is likely to continue or even escalate provocative actions after making progress in ballistic missile development.

Phuong Anh (Source: Reuters, AFP)

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