North Korea Test Fired Four Missiles Off Coast in Two Days

North Korea on 19 May 2013 test-fired a short-range missile off its east coast, counted as fourth test firing in two days.

The missile was fired into the Sea of Japan. Earlier on 18 May 2013 the North Korea fired three short-range missiles off its east coast, considered as part of a military drill.

The launching of missile by North Korea is not usual but it came at a time of sensitive alert on the peninsula followed by the Pyongyang’s nuclear test in February 2013 which had led to tougher UN Sanctions.

The launch of missile by North Korea was to demonstrate its military ambitions in rebelliousness of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to convince the totalitarian state to return to talks.

The United States, Russia and the United Nations have all issued renewed calls for restraint from North Korea. Followed the firing of three short-range projectiles, South Korea urged the North to stop provocations.