South Korean military: North Korea fired several missiles

Pyongyang/Seoul - North Korea fired four cruise missiles from its east coast on Wednesday, according to the South Korean military. The North has apparently made "significant progress" in downsizing nuclear warheads for tactical guided missile systems, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup told parliament on Thursday.

"I don't see that they are ready for what North Korea recently called tactical guided missiles, but we are exploring the possibilities with the US," Lee Jong-sup said. Asked if North Korea's nuclear weapons were close to being deployed, Lee said they had reached "considerable levels".

The missiles were fired from South Hamgyong province around 10:15 a.m. (local time, 0115 GMT), the South Korean military said. South Korean and American forces are currently conducting extensive joint exercises dubbed "Freedom Shield 23." The government in Pyongyang sees the maneuvers as preparation for an invasion of the north and has increased its missile launches since the exercises began. North Korea launched a ballistic missile three days ago. (APA, 03/23/2023)