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North Korea fires missiles as row over landmine blast intensifies
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan from its east coast, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, shortly after Seoul proposed talks over a border dispute.
- The missile launches follow heightened tensions after a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone injured three South Korean soldiers, with a joint investigation blaming North Korea, which Pyongyang denies.
- North Korea has accused South Korea of fabricating the landmine incident and warned of self-defense measures if its sovereignty is violated, while rejecting Seoul’s calls for an apology and offers of aid.
- South Korea has invited North Korea to military talks to restore communication and ease tensions, but it remains uncertain if Pyongyang will accept, given its recent hardline stance and suspension of dialogue.
- These developments occur amid concerns that US President Donald Trump’s direct engagement with North Korea might marginalize South Korea’s role in potential nuclear negotiations.
