North Korea fires barrage of missiles in build up to potential ‘nuclear test’

The barrage of eight missiles is regarded to be the largest in recent memory for North Korea.

North Korea has carried out an unusually large test-fire of eight ballistic missiles launched from multiple locations towards the sea, according to South Korea.

It marks the latest in a string of increasingly provocative launches which Western military officials say could lead to a test nuclear detonation.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles flew up to 416 miles – around two-thirds of the distance between North Korea and the Japanese mainland – at maximum altitudes of 56 miles.

The number of missiles is thought to be the most ever fired by the communist dictatorship in recent decades.

They were said to have been launched in the space of just 35 minutes from at least four sites spanning all corners of the country.

Japan confirmed that none of the weapons fell within its sea border.

South Korean officials expressed ‘deep regret’ that Kim Jong-un’s government was pushing ahead with ultra-expensive weapons develoments at a time when his country is believed to be struggling with a Covid outbreak.

The missile test – the 18th Kim has carried out this year – was carried out a day after the conclusion of a three-day joint naval drill involving a US aircraft carrier and South Korean naval units.

According to Western intelligence sources, Kim is preparing to flex his nuclear powers.

North Korea’s domestic propaganda machine unfailingly portrays the exercises as rehearsals for a supposed ‘invasion’ which has never materialised despite years of shrill warnings beamed over state-controlled TV.

South Korea and the US say the drills are designed to reflect the increasingly complex defence challenges posed by North Korean threats.

Academics largely agree that Kim is attempting to pressure the US into agreeing to security concessions in order to shore up his strength at home.

The leader’s position is thought to have been weakened by the intense economic hardship Covid has forced on the country’s population, the vast majority of whom are feared to live in extreme poverty.

Surprisingly, the North Korean dictator took the time to write the Queen a letter congratulating her on her Platinum Jubilee.

This week, in a strange turn of events, he sent a letter congratulating the Queen on marking her Platinum Jubilee.

Buckingham Palace is refusing to disclose the letter’s contents, but the North Korean government website says it also contained a congratulation to ‘the British people’.

Kim has repeatedly criticised the UK for supporting international sanctions against his government over its nuclear ambitions and human rights record.

He has also hit out at the UK for joining in US-led efforts to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

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