SEOUL, Aug 17, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - North Korea fired two cruise missiles
Wednesday, Seoul's defence ministry said, ending a month-long lull in
Pyongyang's record-breaking spate of weapons tests this year.

"Early this morning, we detected that North Korea fired two cruise missiles
into the West Sea from Onchon, South Pyongan province," a ministry official
told AFP.

"The US and South Korean military authorities are analysing detailed
specifications such as flight distance."

North Korea has not tested a cruise missile -- which are not banned under
United Nations sanctions on the country -- since January, the Yonhap News
Agency reported.

The last time Pyongyang conducted a weapons test was July 10, when they fired
what appeared to be multiple rocket launchers.

North Korea has conducted a blitz of sanctions-busting tests since January,
including firing an intercontinental ballistic missile at full range for the
first time since 2017.

Washington and Seoul officials have also warned that the isolated regime is
preparing to carry out what would be its seventh nuclear test.

Earlier this week, South Korean and American military troops kicked off
preliminary drills ahead of the start of their annual combined Ulchi Freedom
Shield (UFS) exercise.

The drills infuriate Pyongyang, which views them as a rehearsal for invasion.