Both North and South Korea have fired missiles on each other for the first time. According to BBC, missiles fired by each country landed near the other country’s coast.
South Korea fired its missiles in response to North Korea’s recent firing of at least ten missiles, including ballistic missile to the east and north, as reported by South Korean officials.
At least one of the missiles fired by North Korea landed in international waters of the Sea of Japan approximately 26 km to the south of the two countries’ border, 57 km from South Korean city of Sokcho and 167 km to the north-west of the Ulleungdo Island.
This missile set off air defence sirens on the island. Residents were asked to seek shelter.
Although both missiles landed outside South Korea’s territorial waters, South Korean President Yoon Sun-yeol called the incident «effective territorial invasion», promising «swift and firm response».
BBC reports that approximately three hours later South Korean war planes fired three «air-surface» missiles in the waters close to North Korea’s eastern coast.
On Tuesday, 1 November, North Korea made warnings that South Korea and USA would pay «the most horrible price in history» if they continue the joint military exercises. North Korea’s warning was interpreted as hidden nuclear threat.
BBC also reports that North Korea may restart its nuclear tests after a five-year pause. American and South Korean intelligence claim Pyongyang has finished all preparations.