(CNN) North Korea has launched several unidentified ballistic missiles into the waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, officials said — the country’s last missile launch in recent days.
The Japan Coast Guard said in a statement on its official website that North Korea fired three suspected ballistic missiles, but South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said only two short-range ballistic missiles were detected. South Korea said the rockets were fired from the Sukchon area in North Korea’s South Pyongan province between 7:00 a.m. and 7:11 a.m. local time on Monday.
The Japan Coast Guard issued a warning to ships Monday morning local time, advising them to “look out for more information.” The agency also urged ships to stay clear of falling objects and report sightings to the Coast Guard.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and one of the country’s top officials, released a statement Monday around the time of the alleged missile launch.
Kim said in the statement, released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), that North Korea has “satisfactory technology and capabilities” for missile reentry and now only “needs to focus on increasing the number of missiles.” to increase”. powers.”
“Rather than doubting or worrying about the technologies of others, it would be better to think more deeply about countermeasures to defend yourself,” Kim said.
She also said that if North Korea viewed the presence of US forces in the region as a threat, they would take “appropriate action,” adding, “The frequency of using the Pacific Ocean as a firing range depends on the nature of US actions.” of the military.”
A day before the incident, North Korea admitted it conducted a test of an ICBM on Saturday, the third known test of the long-range weapon in less than a year.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency said a Hwasong-15 ICBM was launched in a “surprise ICBM launch exercise” on written orders from leader Kim Jong Un.
According to the KCNA report, the rocket flew 989 kilometers (614 miles) in almost 67 minutes to an altitude of 5,768.5 kilometers (3,584 miles).
The test is a testament to Pyongyang’s ability to launch a “deadly nuclear counterattack against enemy forces” and “clear evidence of the assured reliability of our powerful physical nuclear deterrent.”
Saturday’s test came after North Korea warned Friday of “unprecedented strong responses” should the United States and South Korea conduct planned military exercises.
Washington and Seoul are expected to hold nuclear tabletop exercises at the Pentagon this week, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said on Friday. The allies are also expected to hold military exercises on the Korean Peninsula next month.
CNN’s Maija Ehlinger contributed to this report.
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