This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On Thursday, July 25, 2019, North Korea fired two short-range missiles into the sea, marking the first time the country has launched any missiles since leader Kim Jong-un's impromptu meeting with Donald Trump late last month.
The missiles were launched from Wonsan on North Korea's east coast, with the first one fired at 05:34 local time and the second at 05:57. According to initial reports, both missiles traveled about 430km, reaching an altitude of 50km, before falling into the Sea of Japan. However, after analysis from US and South Korean intelligence officials, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said at least one was likely to have been a 'new type of missile.'
Japan's defence minister stated that the launches did not reach Japanese waters and had no immediate impact on its national security. It is unclear if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw Thursday's launch.
North Korea's nuclear activity appears to be continuing, with satellite images showing movement at the country's main nuclear site last month, suggesting the reprocessing of radioactive material into bomb fuel. The country also continues to demonstrate its abilities to develop new weapons despite strict economic sanctions.
