TOKYO, July 14. /ITAR-TASS/. North Korean multiple launch rocket systems have held massive fire drills from the demilitarized zone that divides the Korean Peninsula. Around 100 missiles were test-launched in the direction of the Sea of Japan (the East Sea) from the area just several hundred meters away to the north from the demilitarized zone, news agencies reported from Tokyo with the reference to military sources in Seoul.

According to these reports, fire drills were conducted from the North Korean eastern coast in the north-eastern direction. All missiles dropped within territorial waters of the country, not far from the line which separates them from the control zone of South Korea.

North Korea has recently test-launched short-range ballistic missiles several times in the direction of the Sea of Japan. Notably, these test-launches were made on July 9 and 13.

These actions are taken as a measure of counteraction to forthcoming military exercises between South Korea and the United States. US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington entered the South Korean port of Pusan for military exercises on July 11. Joint war games of the two countries, which North Korea strongly opposes, are also expected next month.