A short-range ballistic missile is launched toward the sea from the Sukchon area in South Pyongan Province on February 20, 2023 (Photo: Yonhap/ VNA)

Four Hwasal-2 missiles were launched from the area of Kim Chaek city in North Hamgyong province into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. They hit a target 2,000 kilometers away.

KCNA said these launches demonstrated the war readiness of North Korea’s nuclear combat forces, which are strengthening their “lethal nuclear counterattack capabilities against hostile forces.”