North Korea is demonstrating its military strength by launching short-range ballistic missiles into its adjacent waters in the lead-up to a key political gathering.
South Korea’s military detected the launch of multiple ballistic missiles from a region northeast of Pyongyang, North Korea, and added that each missile traveled roughly 217 miles, reported.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Defense Ministry stated that two ballistic missiles launched from North Korea landed off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to the AP.
The AP noted that these launches mark the first instance North Korea has fired weapons since testing hypersonic missiles in early January. In December, the country tested long-range strategic cruise missiles and new anti-aircraft missiles, and released photos showing the apparent construction of a nuclear-powered submarine—Pyongyang’s first such vessel, the AP reported.
The missile launches occur as the ruling party gets ready to hold its first full congress in five years, according to , which cited state media. To date, North Korean leader Kim has met with other senior officials to prepare for the gathering. The high-level meeting is reportedly intended to establish new political and economic priorities, while the U.S. and South Korea aim to restart talks with North Korea.
The AP reported that the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)—controlled by the North Korean government—stated in December that Kim led a plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee, where participants discussed matters related to the party congress and this year’s state policies. The outlet added that Kim revived the congress in 2016 following a 36-year break.
Additionally, North Korea recently accused South Korea of conducting surveillance drone flights across the border. Seoul has denied operating drones during the periods Pyongyang specified and stated it has started looking into the possibility that civilians dispatched the drones.