North Korea launches multiple artillery shells into West Sea

A rocket is being launched at an undisclosed location in Pyongyang on Aug. 27, 2024, in this file photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency the following day.

SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - The Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesday that North Korea fired about a dozen projectiles into the West Sea the previous day.

"We detected around 10 artillery shells launched toward the West Sea at around 3 p.m. the previous day. The launch is presumed to be part of Pyongyang's regular artillery exercises," the JCS said, adding that it is conducting a thorough analysis of the launch.

The launch comes as North Korea continues its winter military training, which typically begins in December.

The North also fired a similar barrage of more than 10 artillery rounds early last month into the West Sea, which are believed to have sufficient range to hit targets in Seoul and nearby areas.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any provocation," a JCS official said.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.