Kim Doesn't Rest: New Missiles Fired Despite Diplomatic Efforts and Sanctions

(Patria) – North Korea fired several short-range missiles into the sea off its eastern coast in Wonsan on Saturday, South Korean officials reported.

The first report, which spoke of guided missiles, was later amended to the broader term 'missile'. If it turns out to be guided ballistic missiles, which are prohibited, it would be their first launch since North Korea's test in 2017, when an intercontinental ballistic missile was fired.

South Korea, along with US military experts, will conduct an analysis to determine the type of weaponry.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders stated that the White House is aware of last night's actions and will 'continue to monitor the situation'.

The weapons testing comes just a few months after a diplomatic breakdown between North Korea and the US, following the failed summit in February between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam.

Experts believe North Korea has short-range nuclear-capable missiles, but that further testing is needed to perfect longer-range missiles.

During diplomatic negotiations with the US President in February, as well as with the Russian President just 10 days ago, Kim stated that the North has no intention of testing nuclear weapons, Reuters reports.

Although the firing of these latest missiles will not violate the self-imposed moratorium, it will certainly alarm Washington as well as all parties involved in the denuclearization campaign of North Korea.

Analysts claim that, regardless of the type of missile fired, the message North Korea sent to the US is clear.

'North Korea has expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations with the US. It is a message that they could return to their previous confrontational approach if the stalemate is not resolved,' explained Yank Uk, a researcher at the Korean Forum for Defense and Security.

It is also believed that North Korea is expressing its displeasure in this way due to US, UN, and other countries' sanctions, which will not be relaxed until the country takes verifiable steps towards denuclearization.