North Korea fires unidentified ballistic missile

May 08, 2025 / 10:18 AM

Sharjah24 - AFP: South Korea's military reported Thursday that North Korea had fired at least one "unidentified ballistic missile," almost a week after Pyongyang tested a new warship that some analysts believe might be fitted with tactical nuclear weapons.

Pyongyang launches ballistic missile

Pyongyang has fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, as reported by Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff. This body of water is also known as the Sea of Japan. Further details regarding the launch have not been provided.

Recent developments

The missile launch occurred approximately a week after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the rapid arming of navy vessels with nuclear weapons. This directive followed the country's first test-firing of a new warship weapons system.

New Naval capabilities

Last month, Pyongyang unveiled a 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon. Analysts suggest that this ship could potentially be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles.

Ongoing tensions

The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the conflict from 1950 to 1953 ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Relations have deteriorated, with North Korea destroying roads and railways connecting it to the South and reinforcing its border areas with additional mines.

In early April, South Korea's military reported that troops fired warning shots when approximately 10 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border that divides the peninsula.