(2nd LD) N. Korea fires short-range projectiles into East Sea

(ATTN: CHANGES slug, headline; UPDATES throughout to change missiles to projectiles in accordance with JCS modification; ADDS more details, background throughout, photo; CORRECTS distance projectiles flew)
By Oh Seok-min

SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- North Korea fired a barrage of unidentified short-range projectiles into the East Sea on Saturday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, in apparent saber-rattling amid stalled nuclear talks with the United States.

The JCS had earlier said the North fired multiple short-range "missiles" but later revised the announcement to portray what was fired only as "projectiles." The projectiles were fired from areas near the east coast town of Wonsan between 9:06 a.m. and 9:27 a.m., the JCS said.

The change suggests the firings could have involved multiple rocket launchers, not missiles.

"What the North fired this time is not a ballistic missile," a military official said.

The projectiles flew about 70 kilometers to 200 kilometers, the JCS said, adding that South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing details of the projectiles and the intention behind the firings.

"Our military has been closely watching North Korea's movements and has maintained a full-fledged posture in close coordination with the U.S.," the JCS said.

Last month, North Korea test-fired what it called "the new tactical guided weapon," which, according to Seoul authorities, appeared to be a guided weapon for ground combat.

The firings were seen as a message to the U.S. amid a deadlock in their denuclearization negotiations. February's summit in Hanoi between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un collapsed without a deal.

The North wants sanctions relief in exchange for partial denuclearization measures. But the U.S. has rejected the demand, insisting that it won't relax sanctions until the communist nation's complete denuclearization.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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