Thu May 08 08:30:33 UTC 2025: ## North Korea Launches Missiles in Possible Export Weapon Test: Seoul
**SEOUL** – North Korea fired a volley of short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Thursday, marking the fourth such launch this year. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) stated the missiles, launched from near Wonsan, traveled up to 800 kilometers before landing in the sea. The JSC suggested the launches may have been a test of weapons intended for export, focusing on performance and flight stability.
While the intended recipient remains unspecified, the timing raises concerns given North Korea’s significant support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence reports indicate Pyongyang has provided Russia with missiles, artillery, and approximately 15,000 soldiers, resulting in substantial casualties for North Korean forces. This deployment was recently acknowledged by North Korea itself.
The launches have drawn condemnation from Japan, with the Japanese Defense Minister lodging a formal protest with Pyongyang. South Korea emphasized its continued close monitoring of North Korean activities in conjunction with the US, aiming to prevent any miscalculation. The incident adds another layer of tension to the already volatile geopolitical landscape in the region.
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