North Korea said Tuesday it test-fired two tactical guided missiles a day earlier to verify the accuracy of that weapon system. Monday's firing – South Korea called them short range ballistic missiles – marked North Korea's fourth weapons test this month as Pyongyang flexes its military muscle while ignoring offers of talks from the United States. This latest test was first reported by the South Korean military's Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as by Japan. In response, the United States called on North Korea Monday to "cease its unlawful and destabilizing activities." In a call with South Korean and Japanese officials, the U.S. special representative on North Korea, Sung Kim, "expressed concern" about the missile launches and urged Pyongyang to return to dialogue "without preconditions," the State Department said.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 18, 2022 01:28 UTC