On Saturday, North Korea launched cruise missiles into western waters, after an earlier threat to use nuclear weapons in response to the landing of a US nuclear-capable submarine in South Korea.
According to a text message from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, South Korea observed numerous launches beginning around 4 a.m. and is collaborating with the US to analyze the missile specifications.
The launches come after North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam warned earlier this week that the deployment of the USS Kentucky gives Pyongyang the right to use nuclear weapons.
Sabrina Singh, the US Deputy Pentagon press secretary, criticized North Korea for the threat, calling it ‘dangerous’ and stating that the port call is a sign of long-standing cooperation with South Korea. Seoul has also disputed that the deployment is a nuclear weapons show to Pyongyang.
Separately, Washington is demanding the release of a US soldier who entered North Korea on foot on Tuesday. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations.
