South Korea says North Korea launched several cruise missiles in waters off its east coast, its third such test this year. The JCS said the missiles were fired around 8am (7am Malaysian time) and were being examined by South Korean and US intelligence. It did not say how many missiles were launched. The JCS said in a statement that “our military is working closely with the United States and watching for more signs and actions from North Korea.” This launch followed North Korea’s test of a new strategic cruise missile named “Pulhwasal-3-31”, which may be nuclear capable.

North Korea is escalating its conflict with the US and its allies, but Washington and Seoul officials say they have not seen any evidence of Pyongyang planning to launch a military attack soon.

Officials and analysts expect Kim Jong-un’s regime to keep or even intensify its aggressive actions, after it advanced its ballistic missile program, strengthened ties with Russia and abandoned its long-held aim of peacefully reunifying with South Korea.

North Korea’s state media KCNA criticized a number of military exercises that US and South Korean forces carried out in the past few weeks, threatening “ruthless” consequences.

The dispatch said that we must be ready for a fatal war because of the constant nuclear war drills against our country since the start of the year.

North Korea tested a cruise missile that could potentially carry a nuclear warhead for the first time in September 2021.