North Korea fires 'flurry' of missiles into sea as South Korea reveals new details

Kim Jong Un's North Korea has fired ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, with the weapons thought to be bound for Russia

North Korea welcomed Vladimir Putin last year

North Korea welcomed Russian leader Vladimir Putin last year as the countries strengthen ties (Image: (Image: Getty))

South Korea's military reports that North Korea has launched a series of ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan from its east coast.

Several short-range weapons were allegedly fired from the northern part of the Korean peninsula, in what Seoul has described as a possible test of weapons intended for export.

North Korean forces are said to have launched the missiles from an area near the port city of Wonsan around 11pm GMT on Wednesday, May 7, and again shortly after midnight on Thursday.

If verified, these launches would represent the fourth round of ballistic missile tests ordered by Kim Jong Un this year, following the firing of several different types of missiles in January and March.

Japan has expressed condemnation of the missile launches, with the country's defence minister, Nakatani Gen, confirming that Tokyo had lodged a protest with Pyongyang, reports the Express.

North Korea is believed to have fired missiles

North Korea is believed to have fired several missiles into the Sea of Japan (Image: (Image: Getty))

In a statement denouncing the missile tests, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) claimed that its military "under the strong South Korea-US combined defence posture, is closely monitoring various North Korean activities to prevent any misjudgment (by North Korea)."

The JCS stated that the missiles reached speeds of up to 500mph before landing in the water. Spokesman Lee Sung Joon suggested that the launches may have been conducted to test the "performance or flight stability" of planned missile exports.

Lee did not specify which country might be the recipient of the missiles, although North Korea is known to be a Russian ally in its war in Ukraine.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service has reported that Pyongyang dispatched missiles, artillery, and an estimated 15,000 troops to support Vladimir Putin's forces on the frontline.

The intelligence agency estimates that approximately 4,700 North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties while engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.

Last month, North Korea confirmed its involvement for the first time, with state media quoting leader Kim Jong Un. He vowed to assist in "annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in cooperation with the Russian armed forces."

Additionally, the North Korean leader inked a significant mutual defense treaty with Russia last year after a state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin.