North Korea launches about a dozen ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan

Third launch in October

On October 29, at around 12:30 local time, North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan from the area of the port city of Wonsan on the country's east coast. This was announced by the command of the South Korean armed forces; the Anadolu agency, citing local media, reported roughly a dozen missiles, while Deutsche Welle and Yonhap reported about ten. The flight range and technical characteristics of the missiles are being analyzed by the South Korean and US militaries. Japan's Ministry of Defense earlier reported a possible ballistic missile launch, and the Japan Coast Guard advised vessels not to approach falling objects; according to Yonhap, the missiles fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Context: border dispute and diplomatic backdrop

This is already North Korea's third ballistic missile launch in October — the previous ones took place on October 3 and 12, Zamon.uz notes. Tensions between the two Koreas escalated after three South Korean servicemen were injured by mines in the demilitarized zone on September 21: a joint investigation by Seoul and the UN concluded that the mines had been planted by North Korea south of the military demarcation line more than a year earlier. Pyongyang denies responsibility and threatens retaliatory measures in the event of provocations; Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, called demands for an apology 'despicable' and rejected Seoul's offer of medical equipment. Last week, North Korea announced plans to resume propaganda broadcasts along the border and to deploy new weapons systems there; South Korea, in response, proposed talks on clarifying the border and preventing accidental clashes, but Pyongyang has not yet responded. Deutsche Welle also notes that, against the backdrop of recent signals from US President Donald Trump about a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un in Seoul, uncertainty is growing regarding South Korea's role in potential nuclear negotiations. According to an assessment by the South Korean military reported by Zamon.uz, the launch may be a show of force by Pyongyang.