Fact Check: North Korea Launched Over a Dozen Rockets in a Single Morning
What We Know
On a Thursday morning, North Korea launched "more than a dozen" rockets, according to the South Korean Ministry of Defense. The rockets were reportedly fired from the Sunan area near Pyongyang at around 10 a.m. local time, and they were aimed toward the sea (ABC News). South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that they detected multiple projectiles, with some reports indicating that the number of launches was at least ten (Reuters, NK News).
The launches occurred shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had vowed to enhance the country's military readiness, particularly its nuclear capabilities, in response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that North Korea launched over a dozen rockets in a single morning is supported by multiple credible sources. The South Korean Ministry of Defense explicitly stated that more than a dozen rockets were launched, which aligns with reports from other news agencies (ABC News).
However, the precise number of rockets launched varies across sources. For instance, while some reports mention "more than a dozen," others specify that at least ten rockets were fired (Reuters, NK News). This discrepancy suggests that while the claim is generally accurate, the exact count may not be definitive.
The sources cited are reputable news organizations, including the Associated Press and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the context surrounding these launches—such as military drills by the U.S. and South Korea—could influence the framing of the events, potentially introducing a bias in how the information is presented (AP News, ABC News).
Conclusion
The claim that North Korea launched over a dozen rockets in a single morning is Partially True. While multiple sources confirm that more than a dozen rockets were indeed launched, the exact number reported varies, with some sources indicating at least ten. The context of these launches, including military tensions and North Korea's ongoing military rhetoric, adds complexity to the situation.
Sources
- North Korea fired multiple-launch rockets from near Pyongyang, South Korea says
- North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles after Kim vowed to bolster war readiness
- North Korea keeps up its missile barrage with launch of ICBM
- North Korea launches more than a dozen rockets, South Korea says
- North Korea fires 10 rounds of artillery rockets from near Pyongyang
- North Korea fires rockets, as tensions with South Korea mount
