As reported by various media outlets, on May 19 and 20 the North Koreans launched four short range (120 km) missiles. Two launches were fired on Saturday morning, another one in the afternoon, and the last one was reported on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Yonhap News agency, the last one was a short range guided missile launched from North Korean east coast that fell into the Sea of Japan. The analysts wonder whether it was a modernized anti-ship missile launched from a coast launching pad or tactical KN-02 missile.
Even if the missile did not land in Japanese territorial waters, U.S. the Japan, South Korea’s intelligence units have started to observe the North Korean coast in a more intensive manner lately.
Some analysts speculate the last firing activity may only be a part of an attempt to calm down the Western intelligence before a proper attack that may happen anytime soon.
Even though the media attention is not focused on NK anymore, things still happen there, requiring a close watch.
Jacek Siminski for The Aviationist
Image credit: AP Photo/David Guttenfelder, File
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