The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has launched a short-range missile into the East Sea off its east coast.

Launched on 1 September from a site in the country’s north-western province of Chagang, bordering China, the projectile flew nearly 220km before landing in the East Sea, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"It is the first time that Pyongyang fired a short-range projectile from the province, just 60km away from its border with China."

An unnamed South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff official was quoted by the publication as saying: "It is the first time that Pyongyang fired a short-range projectile from the province, just 60km away from its border with China."

The South Korean military is currently analysing the missile type and Pyongyang’s motive behind the launch, the officer added, noting that the projectile is presumed to be a Scud or a new type of tactical missile.

A Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman told The Chosunilbo that North Korea did not declare no-fly or no-sail zones before the launch.

The latest launch marked the North’s eigtheenth missile launch this year and comes days after South Korea and the US militaries concluded their yearly joint military exercise, code-named Ulchi Freedom Guardian, which the North claims is a rehearsal for an invasion.

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Last month, North Korea fired up to five short-range rockets into the East Sea from its eastern border town of Wonsan, drawing widespread condemnation from the international community.

An unnamed military source told Yonhap News Agency that the five short-range projectiles were ‘novel tactical missiles’, which are different from Pyongyang’s current KN-02 missiles or 300mm multiple rocket launcher projectiles.

The UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from conducting any ballistic-missile technology launches.

Defence Technology