North Korea fires several cruise missiles off its coast, fifth barrage in 2024

North Korea on Wednesday fired multiple cruise missiles into the sea from the east coast, the South Korean military said. This is the latest in the country's efforts to flex its military muscles and is part of a string of weapons tests this year.The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the military spotted an undetermined number of cruise missiles flying over the waters of Wonsan, a city in North Korea."Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 09:00 today (1200 GMT) and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis," the statement said.It added that the military was "strengthening surveillance and vigilance, and closely watching for any additional signs and activities from North Korea".N. Korea conducts weapons testsThis is the fifth time this year that North Korea has run a weapon test. Along with cruise missiles, Pyongyang has also ramped up testing an "underwater nuclear weapon system" and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile.Earlier this week, the country also said that it had tested a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher it said would have an "increased" battlefield role.Experts have flagged concerns over the dangers of cruise missiles as they are capable of flying low which makes it particularly difficult to intercept by air or missile defences.Moreover, the cruise missile launches have prompted speculation from experts that it is testing the weapons before shipping them to Moscow for use in Ukraine.The two countries have been bolstering relations with Kim Jong Un making a rare visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin.Both Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons in exchange for technical support for Kim's nascent satellite programme, which would violate a raft of UN sanctions on both regimes.With inputs from AFP