North Korea test-fires missiles amid tensions
Iran Press TV
Sun Mar 16, 2014 5:36PM GMT
North Korea has test-fired at least 18 short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan, provoking the neighboring south and the United States.
South Korean defense officials say the missiles were fired off the North's east coast into the Sea of Japan late Sunday.
The officials added that the missiles flew for 70 km (45 miles) before splashing into the sea.
The launches are the latest in a series of tests that have provoked criticism from Washington and its regional allies.
North Korean military has frequently called the tests for the purpose of self-defense.
Pyongyang announced on Friday that it would strengthen its nuclear deterrence for self-defense in the face of US threats.
In the announcement, North Korea said that it will take additional measures to demonstrate its might as long as threats from the US persist.
The developments come after Seoul and Washington staged joint military drills on the troubled Korean peninsula.
Last year's drill fuelled tensions, with Pyongyang threatening a pre-emptive nuclear strike and US stealth bombers flying over the peninsula.
Tensions have been escalating between the two Koreas over the past few months.
Rail lines and other contacts between the two sides were first severed during the 1950-53 Korean War. No peace deal has been signed since then, meaning that Pyongyang and Seoul remain technically at war.
JR/PR/SL
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